LONDON 2012: Nadal pulls out of Olympics and won't defend title at Wimbledon

Posted: Thursday 19th July 2012 | 16:37

RAFAEL Nadal will not defend his Olympic tennis title after claiming he is 'not in condition' to compete.

ABSENT: Rafael Nadal won't defend his Olympic tennis singles title at London 2012 claiming he is 'not in condition' (Getty Images)

Nadal was hopeful of returning to Wimbledon, following his second round defeat to Lukas Rosol at this year's Championship, and had been nominated to carry the Spanish flag in next week's opening ceremony.

He had previously claimed 'excitement is at its maximum' when discussing defending the title he won in Beijing four years ago.

Nadal was due to compete in the singles and with Marcel Granollers in the men's doubles, but the world number three recently cancelled an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Madrid because of tendinitis in his knee.

“It is one of the saddest moments of my career,” the eleven-time Grand Slam singles champion said in a statement.

“I have to think about my team mates. I cannot be selfish and I have to think of the good of Spanish sport, especially Spanish tennis, and let a team-mate who is better prepared to compete.

“I’ve waited until the final moment of my preparation and my training, but I cannot do it.”

New Wimbledon champion Roger Federer is favourite to win the men's singles gold at the Games - the only major title missing from his collection, though he won men's doubles gold in Beijing.

British medal hope Andy Murray, who Federer beat in the recent Wimbledon final, will hold his pre-Games news conference on Friday - with Nadal's absence likely to feature heavily in the questioning.