Rafael Nadal, the 2010 US Open men’s singles champion, has withdrawn from the 2012 US Open due to injury.

In a statement, Nadal expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete in New York this year.

"I am very sad to announce that I am still not ready to play and 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!"

US Open Tournament Director David Brewer issued this statement regarding Nadal’s withdrawal:

"Rafa has informed us that he will not be ready to compete at the US Open this year and has withdrawn from the tournament.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

Nadal, the world No. 3, has not competed since losing in the second round of Wimbledon in June due to a knee injury that caused him to miss the 2012 London Olympics as well as the Rogers Cup in Toronto and the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The 26-year-old Spaniard won his seventh Roland Garros title earlier this year for his 11th career Grand Slam singles title and his victory at the 2010 US Open completed a career Grand Slam. Last year, he was the US Open men’s singles runner-up, falling to Novak Djokovic in a four-set final.

This is the first US Open that Nadal will miss since he made his tournament debut back in 2003.

• Rafael Nadal Bio