[July 31, 2014]TORONTO (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal will
miss two U.S. Open tune-up events due to a wrist injury that has put his
status in doubt for a title defense at the year's final grand slam.
Nadal, who suffered the injury during practice, will have to wear
a cast on his right wrist for two-to-three weeks, forcing him to
withdraw from next week's Rogers Cup in Toronto and the following
week's Cincinnati Open.
"Depending on the evolution of the injury that will be carefully
followed by the doctors, including MRI tests, it will be decided
then the return to competition, initially scheduled for the US
Open," Nadal's publicist said in a statement.
The world number two, who won the Canadian and Cincinnati titles
last year, felt pain during practice in Mallorca and tests later
revealed the injury, according to his publicist.
The injury will delay Nadal's start to the North American hardcourt
season and his preparations for the Aug. 25-Sept. 8 U.S. Open in
Flushing Meadows.
"I'm extremely disappointed that I am unable to defend my Rogers Cup
title this year," the 14-time grand slam winner said in a statement
released by the tournament organizers.
"Unfortunately I injured myself yesterday during practice and after
checking with my doctors I will have to stay out of competition for
at least 2-3 weeks."
A three-time winner on the Canadian hardcourts, the event has
traditionally marked the start of the Spaniard's buildup to Flushing
Meadows and marks only the second time since he made his Rogers Cup
in 2004 that he has missed the stop.
"We know Rafa is a fan favorite and our fans will be upset by his
absence,” said Karl Hale, Rogers Cup tournament director. "But we also
know that if Rafa could play he would as he has a great respect for our
event and his Canadian fans."
Even with Nadal's withdrawal the Rogers Cup has attracted a top field
that includes world number one Novak Djokovic, 17-times grand slam
champion Roger Federer and Canadian hopeful Milos Raonic.
With Nadal's withdrawal, two-times grand slam champion Andy Murray moves
into the number eight seed, giving him a first-round bye.
(Reporting by Steve Keating; Editing by Frank Pingue)
