Published: 20 June, 2009, 12:26
Edited: 20 June, 2009, 12:26
Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not defend his Wimbledon title this year. The world number one has opted to sit out the Grand Slam event, as he is struggling to overcome tendonitis in both of his knees.
Rafael Nadal played an exhibition match against Stanislas Wawrinka at the Fortis Tennis Classic in London on Friday, hoping that his knees could come through a final test before the start of Wimbledon.
However, he later announced that he would not be making a defense of his title.
"I think I tried everything. I worked very hard the last weeks to arrive here in my best condition, but yes… You know, today was the last test. I didn't feel terrible, but not, not close to my best," said Nadal.
Nadal beat the defending champion and then-world number one, Roger Federer, in a marathon five-set final at last year's Wimbledon. A year after, Roger may strike back – he now needs a victory in the tournament, which he has already won five times, in order to reoccupy the top position in the men’s singles rankings. A win will also put him clear of Pete Sampras, with whom he currently shares a record fourteen Grand Slam victories.