MANACOR, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal won’t rush his return from a knee injury.
The third-ranked Spaniard says “I have to listen (to the doctors) and be patient, and I will come back when my knee is well.”
Tendinitis in his left knee has kept Nadal from playing since he lost in the second round at Wimbledon in June. The 26-year-old Nadal missed the Olympics and withdrew from the U.S. Open on Wednesday.
The 11-time Grand Slam winner says “at this stage in my career my ranking is of the least importance. The most important thing is that I am sure I am fit to compete.”
Nadal says he would like to play for Spain in the Davis Cup semifinal match against the United States, starting Sept. 14.
