Reigning U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from this years U.S. Open due to a nagging wrist injury that has plagued him since August 1.
The two-time U.S. Open champion released a statement concerning the injury and offered his apologies for his absence.
"I am very sorry to announce I won't be able to play at this year's US Open -- a tournament on which I've played 3 consecutive finals in my last participations," Nadal said in a statement. "I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things.
"Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.”
The 27-year-old is left-handed, but uses both hands for his back hand. This is only the fourth time the reigning champion is not active to defend his title since the Open era began in 1968. Nadal had skipped out on the two previous tournaments on Toronto and Cincinnati in order to get healthy for the U.S. Open, but it seems that it was all for nothing.
Nadal hasn't competed since July 1 and remains tied for second with Pete Sampras with 14 career Grand Slam titles. Rival Roger Federer holds the record for most titles with 17 and counting.
Nadal is 44-8 in 2014 and has taken home four titles this season.
[ESPN]
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