Rafael Nadal withdraws from US Open

Defending champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the upcoming US Open.

The Spaniard overcame Novak Djokovic 12 months ago to claim the title at Flushing Meadows for the second time in his career.

However, he has been plagued by a wrist injury of late, which has not healed in time for him to defend his crown in New York.

"I am very sorry to announce I won't be able to play at this year's US Open a tournament on which I've played three consecutive finals in my last participations. I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many thing," the 28-year-old wrote on his official Facebook page.

"Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back."

The tournament gets underway next Monday.