Nadal's Knee Sidelines Him For Two More Months

By Erik Gudris

(September 3rd, 2012) Fans of Rafael Nadal will have to wait longer to see the former U.S. Open champion back in action as the Spanish star announced that his ongoing knee issue will likely keep him off of the courts for two more months.

In a written statement that was posted as link to his Twitter account, it was revealed Nadal has a partial tear of the patella tendon along with an inflammation of the Hoffa's pad near his left kneecap.

As a result, Nadal will not compete for Spain in their upcoming Davis Cup tie versus the United States and will not play in the next two months to allow himself to heal and recover.

“I have missed the Olympics and the US Open in the last few weeks," Nadal was quoted in the statement, "two of the most important tournaments of the year and that I really wanted to play. I really want to be back competing and enjoying the tennis tour, but I have many years in front of me and my knee needs some rest. I will be back when I have no pain and able to compete with guarantee."

"I feel better after the meeting with my doctors and happy knowing that the evolution of the past weeks has been positive and surgery has been avoided. I will continue to work with the plan my doctors have established to be able to compete as soon as possible in the right conditions.

"I would also like to thanks all for the support I am receiving these days.”

Nadal's last match was a second round loss to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon this summer. There is yet no word if Nadal plans to play at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

(Photo Credit: Rafa Nadal Facebook)