Injury keeps Nadal out of Thailand Open

Rafael Nadal, citing a continuing abdominal injury, has withdrawn from next week’s Thailand Open.

Nadal, ranked No. 2 in the world, has been hampered by injuries since the French Open. He sat out several weeks after that event because of issues with his knees but during the U.S. Open said he was having abdominal problems as well.

The Spanish star has played in three tournaments since the French Open and reached two semifinals and one quarterfinal. He made it to the semis at the U.S. Open, losing to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro.

The tournament in Bangkok would have been his first competition since then.

Nadal posted an announcement on his Web site about skipping the Thailand Open, saying:

I am very disappointed not to be able to play in Bangkok. I was looking forward to this tournament but the injury I have been suffering during the North American summer swing needs to be taken care of. I am really looking forward to playing next year in Thailand where I have a very loyal and big fan base.