HispanicBusiness

Injury victim Rafael Nadal will miss the US Open, with the Spaniard announcing his withdrawal on Wednesday due to continuing knee tendinitis.

"I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play and have to withdraw from this year's US Open in NYC," said Nadal.

"I'm sorry since I always found great crowds and great support, but I have to continue with my recoup and preparation to be ready to play in the right conditions. I want to say hi and thanks to all the fans, in particular to the New Yorkers. I'll miss you all this year at the Open!"

The Spaniard won the title in 2009 and lost the 2011 final to Novak Djokovic.

He has not played since last June when he was upset in the Wimbledon second round by Czech Lukas Rosol.

"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the US Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament," read a statement from tournament director David Brewer. "We hope to see him back on the court soon and look forward to his return to New York next year."

Sine his knee injury flared after the clay season, the 26-year-old former number one has dropped out of the Olympics, plus the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters 1000 events.