Rafael Nadal: Why Star Avoiding Knee Surgery Is Good for Tennis

The tennis game recently lost one star, but it won't be long before another returns.

Former No. 1-ranked Andy Roddick called it a career after 12 years as a professional tennis player (via ESPN), losing to Juan Martin del Potro in his final match as a pro.

Meanwhile, the world's No. 3 player, Rafael Nadal, received some positive news regarding the partially torn patella tendon in his left knee, as the injury will not require surgery, according to the UK's The Guardian.

The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) is reporting that Nadal will likely miss two months as he receives treatment that includes physical therapy, medication and a rehabilitation program to get the tennis star back onto the court.

Nadal tweeted the news to his fans, writing:

"

I have to recover and I’ll be back once the pain is gone bit.ly/PRs1la

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 3, 2012"

The fact that Nadal was able to avoid going under the knife is a win in itself, but taking a break from the game to rehab is going to bring out the best in Nadal, which in turn, brings out the best of the game of tennis.

In 2009, Nadal took a hiatus from tennis only to come back faster, stronger and better than ever. He has won three straight French Opens, the 2010 Wimbledon, the 2010 US Open and the Australian Open since that break.

He's one of the most recognizable faces in tennis and to not have him competing right now undoubtedly hurts the game. However, I think the game of tennis can withstand another two months without Nadal.

After all, a healthy Rafael Nadal means the world to the game.

Follow me on Twitter. I don't have a partially torn patella tendon in my left knee: Follow @Pete_Schauer