Reigning Wimbledon Champion Rafael Nadal will not defend his title after failing to recover from a Tendonitis injury in his knees.
Nadal, who ousted Roger Federer in an epic Wimbledon final last year, was out of sorts at the French Open last month, when he was dumped out in the fourth round by Robin Soderling. Shortly after the defeat however, Nadal declared that he was having problems with his knees, a recurrence of an injury problem which has hindered the Spaniard in the past.
The 23-year old subsequently withdrew from the AEGON Classic at Queen's Club in an attempt to regain his fitness in time for SW19. Nadal stated on a few occasions that he would not defend his title unless he was 100% fit, and after struggling through two exhibition defeats this week, to Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka, Nadal has decided that he cannot compete in the grasscourt showpiece.
"I'm 23 and I hope to have a long career and come back next year - no one is more disappointed than me and the Wimbledon crowd must understand I tried my best." said Nadal, who was clearly upset that he is to miss out on the tournament which he has previously described as 'the most special'.
With the likes of Roger Federer and Andy Murray still fighting for the Wimbledon crown, it is still set to be an enthralling championship, however every spectator and indeed participant will surely be extremely disappointed at the absence of the flamboyant and classy Nadal.