Nadal skips charity game to recover for Games
Nadal skips charity game to recover for Games
Rafa Nadal has pulled out of a charity tennis match at
Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium in order to recover from a knee problem
in time for the Olympic Games, the world number two said on Wednesday.
Nadal was stunned by Czech Lukas Rosol in the second
round of Wimbledon last week, and was due to play an exhibition game
against world number one Djokovic at Real's ground on July 14.
"I wish to apologise to all, especially the supporters
who had already purchased tickets for this good cause," said Nadal, who
won gold at the Beijing Olympics, in a statement on the Real Madrid
website.
"Doctors have been examining my knee and say I suffer
from tendonitis on the patellar ligament and that I must rest for 15
days, which prevents me from playing against Novak Djokovic as planned
and announced.
"I saw the doctors on Monday and began the recovery
process to be fit to represent Spain in the London Olympics. We will try
to look for a new date for the event.
"I will now combine my recovery with short holidays
before returning to training in 15 days. Once again, thanks to all."
The event, organised by the Real Madrid and Rafa Nadal Foundations, had hoped to set a record attendance for a tennis match.
