Rafael Nadal, the 2008 men's singles tennis gold medalist, has officially withdrawn himself from participation in the 2012 London Olympics.
The 26-year-old 11-time grand slam tournament winner reportedly said he is "not in condition" to compete in the Games, which begin on July 27. Nadal was set to be Spain's flag bearer in the Opening Ceremony.
Nadal released a statement calling it "one of the saddest days of my career," adding that "one of the greatest illusions and perhaps most special moment was to be the champion of Spain in the opening ceremony of the games in London."
With all 2012 Olympic tennis matches to be held on the fabled grounds of Wimbledon, many fans were looking forward to the Games' biggest names competing on the grass courts for the second time this summer.
Nadal is the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion.
No specifics have been released as to what may be ailing Nadal, but for one of the world's top players to remove himself from competition in London is certainly disappointing.
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