The Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal is expected to withdrawal from the U.S. Open after continuous knee issues that have bothered him after Wimbledon. Nadal already sent the information to the U.S. Open tournament director. 

On the U.S. Open site, the following announcement was posted:

"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the US Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament. We hope to see him back on the court soon and look forward to his return to New York next year," says Tournament Director David Brewer.

Nadal also released a statement stating the following:

"I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play and have to withdraw from this year's US Open in NYC. I am sorry since I always found great crowds and great support, but I have to continue with my recup and preparation to be ready to play in the right conditions. I want to say hi and thanks to all the fans, in particular to the New Yorkers. I'll miss you all this year at the Open!"

Nadal misses the 2012 London Olympics, which immediately opened the door for players like Great Britain's Andy Murray and and Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro to challenge Roger Federer and Djokovic for a shot at the gold medal.

Nadal was bounced from the second round of Wimbledon by Lukas Rosol, which shocked many, but the knee injury explained why the Spaniard had struggled. 

He will not get the opportunity to add another Grand Slam title to his collection of 11. He has won 7 French Opens, 2 Wimbledon titles, and won one title at both the Australian and U.S. Opens. 

Nadal won the Open in 2010.

Nadal is only 26 years old and will not risk the future of his tennis career as a lot could be accomplished after a healthy recuperation.