RAFAEL NADAL HAS admitted his involvement in this year’s US Open is in serious doubt as he struggles with tendonitis in his knees.
The world number three has not played since being knocked out in the second round of Wimbledon in June in an attempt to heal chronic tendonitis.
Nadal has withdrawn from the London Olympics as well as tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati since his Wimbledon defeat and the 26-year-old has told Spanish TV station La Verdad that he remains unconvinced about his chances of playing at Flushing Meadows.
“I don’t know if I’ll be ready in time for the US Open,” Nadal said. ”I can’t say yes or no. (The injury) is not the same as other years, and I have found it a little different.”
Nadal’s continuing absence from the ATP Tour has Roger Federer worried with the world number one having described the Spaniard’s no-show in Toronto and Cincinnati as a ‘big surprise’.
“I thought for sure we would see him in Toronto, but now he (has) missed Toronto and Cincinnati,” Federer said. ”It’s very surprising, because it was nothing that we heard of prior to the injury. He played so well on clay, and then actually seemed fine at Wimbledon. ”He had more (recovery) time by losing earlier at Wimbledon.”
Federer is concerned for his long-time rival.
“I’m sad for him,” Federer said. ”I hope he’ll be back for the Open.”
