Nadal out of Olympics
Rafael Nadal has been ruled out of London 2012
Reigning Olympic champion Rafael Nadal will not be competing at London 2012 due to injury.
The 26-year-old won gold for Spain in Beijing four years ago but will not be defending his crown this summer.
Nadal also confirmed he will not be travelling to London for the Games, which would have been his first event since being eliminated in the second round at Wimbledon by then 100th-ranked Lukas Rosol.
"I am not able to compete at the Olympics in London and therefore will not be travelling as planned with the Spanish delegation," he said in a statement on the Spanish federation (RFET) website, www.rfet.es.
"I have to think about my colleagues. 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."
Nadal was due to carry the Spanish flag at the Olympic ceremony in eight days.
The Spaniard added: "Today is one of the saddest days of my career.
"Perhaps one of the most special moments was to be Spain's flagbearer in the opening ceremony for the Games in London, so you can imagine how difficult it has been making this decision. "
RFET president Jose Luis Escanuela was also devastated, saying: "It's the worst news we could have. Rafa has always been an example of perseverance and tenacity, which makes it hard to miss out because surely would have loved to return to the Games. I hope he recovers quickly."
related stories on msn
I have seen comments like "wimp" or "cant win, wont play" Give the guy a break!
He is suffering from tendonitis (inflamation of tendons) which is very painful, and although could be masked with painkillers only leads to further damage.
The only real cure is complete rest of the area, I believe the knee.
This is not a condition that can be "played through" as continued explosive use of the muscles associated, as is required in top flight sport, will result in devastating damage requiring surgery with a much longer healing time.
He either rests now or risks the possibility of never playing again. Not much of a choice really.
Yes, we all want to see this brilliant player in action, but he has made the right decision.
