Champion Rafael Nadal pulled out of Wimbledon on Friday in consideration of his knee injury. "Unfortunately this year I won't be able to play at Wimbledon," he told a news conference in Spanish.

The Spaniard, who has been struggling with tendonitis in his knees since being knocked out of the French Open last month, tested his fitness in two exhibition matches this week but after losing both decided not to defend his Wimbledon title just three days before the start of the major.

Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal (L) sits with Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club Ian Ritchie during a news conference at Wimbledon in London June 19, 2009. Nadal pulled out of Wimbledon on Friday after losing his battle to recover from a knee injury.

He will be the first man not to defend his All England Club crown since Croatia's Goran Ivanisevic skipped the grasscourt grand slam in 2002.

【体坛英语资讯：Painful knee leads to Nadals withdrawal from Wimbledon】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hatcher defends herself over deal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Llodra beats Soderling to win Rotterdam tennis title

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears agreed to visit her kids

★ 体坛英语资讯：Lin wins China derby to book final berth

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao out for season with left foot injury

★ 体坛资讯：Francis returns to Rockets with two-year deal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russia through, champions bow out without win at Euro 2008

★ 体坛英语资讯：Staying alive! Rockets rip Jazz 95-69 in Game 5

★ 娱乐英语资讯：David Beckham wears a naked Victoria across his chest