Rafael Nadal to Withdraw from 2012 U.S. Open Due to Health Concerns

The men's side of the U.S. Open will be down one of the Big Three when the matches start on August 27, as Rafael Nadal announced via Twitter that he will not be able to play due to health concerns. 

"

I am very sad to announce that I am not ready to play the US Open in NY. Thanks to my fans for their support and specially, the new yorkers.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 15, 2012"

This marks the second major event from which Nadal has been forced to withdraw, as he was unable to defend the gold medal in the Olympics because of an injury. 

Considering the secrecy of the injury, it could be time for fans to start worrying about Nadal. He has not said anything publicly to make us think this will be a significant, long-term problem, but the fact that it is keeping him out of two high-profile events is telling. 

The last time Nadal stepped on the court for a match was his shocking loss in the second round at Wimbledon to Lukas Rosol. That loss had the tennis world reeling, just because it was so unexpected. 

Fans and analysts have been spoiled by Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. We are so accustomed to seeing them dominate in every event they play, and if there isn't at least one match with two of the three playing in the semifinals or finals, we have to wonder what went wrong. 

What at first seemed like a one-time slip for Nadal is turning out to be something more. Hopefully Nadal is able to get his health problems figured out soon so he can play again this season, but he will not have a chance to win his 12th career Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

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