[EspnaConCam]

Rafa, via his Facebook feed, confirmed the bad news this morning. Certainly not a surprise, but I'm bummed that he won't be here.

... and worry grows about his sustainability at the top of the sport. I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play ad 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 recuperation 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!

[zzbust]

As sad as it makes me, I'd rather have him not compete than compete and lose badly in an early round.

I'm thinking we may not see him until 2013.

[Aswdwdfg]

People have always been predicting health problems for him at this age because of his physical and punishing style of play. I'm hopeful that this is not going to recur and that he has quite a few healthy years left.

[sXVUOUVC]

August 15, 2012

Statement from US Open Tournament Director David Brewer on Rafael Nadal’s Withdraw from the 2012 US Open

"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the US Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament.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.”

[Kissntell]

Devastating.

[tiereenny]

I'm actually glad to hear this. Rafa is finally taking the time to heal properly (hope he's able to)!

After the huge disappointment of Wimbledon/Olympics the damage for the season is done. I'm glad to see him stay off the hard courts for as long as possible.

Truth is I'd be happy not to see him until Australia, and hopefully he will be fit and rested and ready to resume at that point.

[tsamprasxx]

I'm with Mj and D-s. I'm glad he's taking the time to properly recover. As a Nadal fan, it sucks that he won't be at the open this year, but it's best that he waits until he's fully healthy to compete again.

[gogona]

He may not heal entirely, ever.

[emingeRek]

He may not heal entirely, ever.

That.
It is becoming so chronic. And remember he has not set foot on a hard court for months (clay season and grass season) and he still got injured.
Some injuries never go away. Agassi's back, Guga's hip.
Hope I am wrong, but it does not look good to me.
(BTW: without Rafa, Roger´s chances for more Slam Glory increase. A lot)

[EspnaConCam]

^ For real, ponchi. Rafa being Federer's kryptonite makes me even more of a fanboy for the guy. Sigh.

[Gotta root for that Murray Slam breakthrough, or JMDP Slam comeback, for USO 2012.]

[zzbust]

^ For real, ponchi. Rafa being Federer's kryptonite makes me even more of a fanboy for the guy. Sigh.

[Gotta root for that Murray Slam breakthrough, or JMDP Slam comeback, for USO 2012.]

Hear hear.

[Riprincattiva]

Conflicting reports in the past 24 hours on Nadal's participation in Davis Cup Semifinals vs. US in September

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...e4496e1309.511
This article, Uncle Tony says that Nadal will be back to play Davis Cup.

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/08/17...-for-davis-cup
In this one, Nadal down plays the changes by saying that he wants to make sure that he is fully recovered.

I'm kind of surprised that he is talking about coming back as soon as this because I assumed when he pulled out of the US Open that he would shut it down until January. Also not sure whether the Nadal's are trying to stir up something for the US Davis Cup team to think about - even if he wasn't 100% the US would probably prefer not to play Nadal on clay in best of 5 if they could avoid it.

[zzbust]

Good news amidst the bad: Rafa has been diagnosed with Hoffa's Disease (inflammation of the fat pad beneath the patella in the knee) which is curable and has nothing to do with his previous knee ailments (tendons).

spa:
http://www.foxsportsla.com/noticias/...mas-importante