Beijing Olympics gold medallist Nadal pulls out of London Games

Defending champion Rafael Nadal has dropped out of London Olympics because he is not in shape to compete, the Spanish tennis world number three said on Thursday, calling it one of the saddest days of his career, says a report in Hindustan Times.

"I am not in condition to compete in the London Olympics, so I will not be travelling as planned with the Spanish delegation to compete in them," said Nadal, who had been recovering from a knee injury, adding, "Today is one of the saddest days of my career, as it was one of my greatest hopes and perhaps the most special moment to be the flag-bearer for Spain in the opening ceremony of the games in London," he added in a statement.

According to a report in The Hindu, Nadal did not mention any specific injury, but he cancelled a charity match in Madrid on July 4 because of tendon problems in his left knee. He has had recurring knee problems in the past. He has not played since he was eliminated in the second round of Wimbledon to then 100th-ranked Lukas Rosol, one of the most surprising results in the tournament’s history.

“I have to think about my companions, I can’t be selfish and I have to think of what’s best for the Spanish sport, especially tennis and Spanish players and give fellow sportsmen with better preparation the chance to compete,” he said. “I tried to hurry my preparations and training to the very last minute, but it was not to be,” he added.

Nadal, who won the singles tournament at the 2008 Beijing Games, was set to be the flag-bearer for Spain during the opening ceremony.