Tennis: Nadal Ruled Out for Two to Three Weeks

Rafael Nadal’s defence of his US Open title faces fitness race, after the Spaniard injured his wrist with less than a month to the start of the championship.

The 28-year-old, who defeated top seed Novak Djokovic to claim 2013 edition of the fourth Grand Slam of the year, will be out of action for two to three weeks after hurting his right wrist in training on Tuesday.

Nadal has pulled out of the two major hard-court season warm-ups ahead of the US Open- the Cincinnati and Toronto championships- where he’s also a reigning champion.

Nadal Faces Fitness race Ahead of the Start of the US Open.
Nadal Faces Fitness race Ahead of the Start of the US Open.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I am unable to defend my titles,” the world number two said.

The 14-time career Grand Slam winner has not played any competitive match since his shock defeat by Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round at Wimbledon.

The Toronto Masters starts on Monday with the Cincinnati event beginning the following week.

“Unfortunately I injured my right wrist on Tuesday during practice,” he said.

“After the tests I have undergone in Spain, including MRI and checking with my doctors, I will have to stay out of competition for at least two to three weeks.”

The 2014 US Open begins on August 25 at Flushing Meadows.