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Nadal out of Olympics

Image: Rafael Nadal: Spaniard says he is 'not in condition' to compete at London 2012 Olympic Games

Reigning Olympic men's singles champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the London 2012 Games.

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Spaniard will not defend title in London

Reigning Olympic men's singles champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the London 2012 Games. Nadal, who was due to carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremony, made the decision due to lack of fitness. The world number three has not played since losing in second round of Wimbledon to Lukas Rosol. Nadal was due to carry the Spanish flag at the Olympic ceremony in eight days. "I am not able to compete at the Olympics in London and therefore will not be traveling as planned with the Spanish delegation," he said in a statement on the Spanish federation (RFET) website, www.rfet.es. "I have to think about my colleagues. I cannot be selfish and I have to think of the good of Spanish sport, especially Spanish tennis, and let a team-mate who is better prepared to compete. "I've waited until the final moment of my preparation and my training, but I cannot do it."

Difficult decision

The Spaniard added: "Today is one of the saddest days of my career. "Perhaps one of the most special moments was to be Spain's flagbearer in the opening ceremony for the Games in London, so you can imagine how difficult it has been making this decision. " RFET president Jose Luis Escanuela was also devastated, saying: "It's the worst news we could have. "Rafa has always been an example of perseverance and tenacity, which makes it hard to miss out because surely would have loved to return to the Games. I hope he recovers quickly." Nadal has won 11 grand slam titles during his career, including a record seven French Opens, and claimed the Olympic singles gold medal in Beijing four years ago.

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