NUEVA YORK (AP) — La cuenta de títulos de Grand Slam de Rafael Nadal se estancará en 11 por ahora, alejado de las canchas por otro problema de rodilla.

Nadal renunció el miércoles al Abierto de Estados Unidos, marginado por una tendinitis en la rodilla izquierda que ha mantenido al tenista español inactivo desde su sorprendente derrota en Wimbledon a fines de junio.

Tercero en el ranking, Nadal llegó a la final en Flushing Meadows en los últimos dos años: en 2010 ganó el título y con ello completó el Grand Slam de su carrera, y luego perdió frente al campeón Novak Djokovic en 2011.

"Lamentándolo mucho, tengo que anunciar que aún no me encuentro en condiciones de competir teniendo que renunciar a jugar el Open de los Estados Unidos en NY este año", afirmó el tenista en su página en Facebook.

"Es una lástima porque siempre me encontré con un público entregado y apoyando, pero tengo que seguir mi recuperación y preparación para estar en condiciones de competir con garantías. Un saludo a todos los fans y en particular a los neoyorquinos. Os echaré de menos este año", agregó.

No ha disputado ningún partido desde el 28 de junio, cuando Lukas Rosol, centésimo en el escalafón mundial, lo eliminó en la segunda ronda en el All England Club. Poco después de esa derrota, Nadal canceló un partido con fines de caridad ante el serbio Djokovic en España debido a que tenía problemas en un tendón de la rodilla izquierda. El ibérico ya había tenido dolencias de rodilla en el pasado.

Tampoco participó en los Juegos Olímpicos de Londres, donde iba a portar la bandera de España en la ceremonia inaugural, decisión que significó la renuncia al título olímpico que ganó en Beijing en 2008. También eligió no participar en el Masters de Cincinnati sobre canchas duras.

Nadal tiene apenas 26 años, pero sus bajas generan dudas sobre el futuro de un jugador que de manera recurrente ha sufrido problemas de rodilla antes.

Ha ganado 11 títulos de Grand Slam, incluidos siete en la arcilla del Abierto de Francia, pero su estilo agresivo tiene un impacto sobre su cuerpo, en especial sus rodillas.

En 2009 no acudió a Wimbledon debido a que le dolían las rodillas, apenas el segundo campeón de la rama masculina en 35 años en no defender su título en el All England Club.

En contraste, Federer ha disputado todos los Grand Slam desde el principio de 2000, una racha de 51.

Pero Nadal eventualmente regresó más fuerte que nunca de esa ausencia. Luego de no poder llegar a la final del Abierto de Estados Unidos en 2009 y en el Abierto de Australia en 2010, ganó el de Francia para dar inicio a una racha de tres títulos consecutivos en las grandes citas, la cual coronó al completar todos los grandes en Flushing Meadows.

La ausencia de Nadal deja un trío de amplios favoritos para ganar el último Grand Slam del año: el campeón Djokovic; el cinco veces ganador del Open y actual número uno del mundo Roger Federer; y el británico Andy Murray, finalista del Open estadounidense en 2008 y ganador de la medalla de oro en Londres al vencer a Federer en la final.

"Mi emoción siempre es la misma cuando llego a cualquier Grand Slam. Obviamente son los máximos torneos que tenemos en el deporte", dijo Djokovic después de ganar el miércoles en su debut en el Masters de Cincinnati. "Sí, el hecho es que el tenis va a perder un poco debido a que Rafa no va a jugar, porque él es alguien que ha hecho historia en este deporte. Todos sabemos qué tan bueno es y qué tan famoso es".

Nadal perdió en la final del Abierto de Estados Unidos ante Djokovic el año pasado como parte de una seguidilla de tres derrotas consecutivas ante el serbio en partidos de campeonato en los majors. Pero pareció estar cerrando la brecha: en el Roland Garros en junio derrotó a Djokovic en la final para implantar un récord al adjudicarse su séptimo título de ese torneo.

El torneo en Flushing Meadows comienza el 27 de agosto.

"Rafa nos ha informado que no estará listo para competir en el U.S. Open este año. Esperamos verlo pronto de nuevo en las canchas y anticipamos su regreso a Nueva York el año próximo", afirmó David Brewer, director del Abierto, el miércoles en un comunicado.



TAMBIÉN VE:

Loading Slideshow...

  • Rafael Nadal

  • Rafael Nadal

    Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy and the Spanish flag after winning the mens final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Monday June 11, 2012. Eiffel Tower and Seine river in the background. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

  • Rafael Nadal

    Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the mens final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Monday June 11, 2012. Eiffel Tower in the background. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

  • Rafael Nadal

    Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the mens final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Monday June 11, 2012. Eiffel Tower and Seine river in the background. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

  • Rafael Nadal of Spain holds the trophy after winning the mens final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Monday June 11, 2012. Rain suspended the final making it the first French Open not to end on Sunday since 1973. Nadal clinched his seventh title in four sets 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, passing Sweden's Bjorn Borg as the all-time record-holder for French Open titles. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

  • Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the second place trophy after losing to Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Monday June 11, 2012. Rain suspended the final making it the first French Open not to end on Sunday since 1973. Nadal clinched his seventh title in four sets 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, passing Sweden's Bjorn Borg as the all-time record-holder for French Open titles. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

  • Spain's Rafael Nadal react as he defeats Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's final match in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, June 11, 2012. Nadal passes Bjorn Borg as the all-time record-holder for French Open titles. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

  • Spanish NBA player Pau Gasol, top, hugs compatriot and friend Rafael Nadal after Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their men's final match in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, June 11, 2012. Nadal Won 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

ADEMÁS:
Loading Slideshow...

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer speaks during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France (C) and Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) take part in a Kids Day exhibition match ahead of the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) chats with one of his support crew during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) warms up with cartoon character Sponge Bob during a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Mirka Federer (R), the wife of Roger Federer of Switzerland, sits with their twins to watch her husband play in a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd as he takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: (L-R) Victoria Azarenka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic pose with Nickelodeon characters during the Rod Laver Arena spectacular at Kids Tennis Day ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

  • Mirka, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer arrives on Rod Laver Arena with her daughters Myla and Charlene to watch an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match at the Kids Tennis Day on Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

  • Mirka, right, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer watches with her daughters Myla and Charlene and a unidentified woman a exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus look as France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga acts a s a ball ball during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball along the court as he acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

  • Players from left, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Switzerland's Roger Federer, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams of the US and Serbia's Ana Ivanoic pose for a group photo following an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

  • France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, left, Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus play an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland (C) takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 11, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

    Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer makes a backhand return during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer, right, talks with to a training partner during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer picks up a racket during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball in the air during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland wears his Nike headband during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland has a drink during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

  • 2013 Australian Open Previews

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

  • Roger Federer

    Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer heads the ball as he plays an exhibition soccer-tennis game with Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • Roger Federer, Farid Mondragon

    Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer, left, returns the ball to Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon as they play an exhibition soccer-tennis match in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • Roger Federer, Farid Mondragon

    Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer, left, returns the ball to Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon as they play an exhibition soccer-tennis match in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • Roger Federer

    Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer returns the ball to a young player as he gives a tennis clinic in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

    Swiss tennis player Roger Federer gives the thumb up during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

    Swiss tennis player Roger Federer plays with a girl during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-TSONGA-CLINIC

    Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (L) and French tennis player French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pose during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-TSONGA-CLINIC

    Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (L) and French tennis player French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (R) sign autographes during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

    Swiss tennis player Roger Federer hugs a boy during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)