Tennis star Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from London Olympics 2012, saying he is not ready to compete. The 26-year-old is once again suffering from tendinitis of the knee and therefore will not be able to defend his Olympics title of 2008.

“I am not in condition to compete in the London Olympics and therefore will not travel as planned with the Spanish delegation to take part in the games,” the third-ranked Spaniard said in a statement, according to ESPN.

Nadal, who was gold medalist four years ago in Beijing, admitted he was "not in the right physical condition to compete" and that he had to "think about Spanish sport."

The World No. 3 was expected to carry Spain’s flag at the opening ceremony of London Olympics 2012. However, his prompt decision of staying away from the championship has changed the plan of Spain’s Olympic squad.

Nadal asserted that his decision of not joining the Olympic squad came late only because he was working on his fitness till the last moment, and it was only recently that he realized he couldn't compete with this kind of form.

"I've waited until the final moment of my preparation and my training, but I cannot do it," Nadal said in a statement released to the Spanish press on Thursday.

"Today is one of the saddest days in my career. Carrying the flag for Spain at the opening ceremony was set to be one of the biggest honors, one of the most special moments for me," Nadal added.

Nadal requested his fans to understand his situation and forgive him for letting them down. He said that it is time for fellow teammates to play for their nation and inspire the people who will be watching them back home.

Sports analysts believe that Nadal has also taken this decision to fully recover for the upcoming US Open in August this year. The 11-time grand slam winner must also have his eyes on the important cup that is soon to arrive.

According to Spanish Federation's website, “World number 30 Feliciano Lopez would replace Nadal, while the country's Olympic committee will select a new flag bearer at a meeting on Friday."

Rafael Nadal has also cancelled a charity match with World No.2 Novak Djokovic due to the ongoing knee problems. Pregnancy Miracle

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