Nadal, issued a statement explaining that he hasn't recovered from tendonitis in his knees, which has affected him for several weeks. "It is one of the saddest moments in my career," said Nadal, who is currently world No. 3.

Nadal's withdrawal from the 2012 Olympic Games was a double blow for him given that he had also been chosen to be the flagbearer for the Spanish team in the opening ceremony on July 27.

That honor will almost certainly now be taken over by yachtsman Iker or Fernandzer, while Feliciano Lopez will probably replace Nadal in the tennis. Meanwhile there is also a question as to who will now play alongside Marcel Granollers, who was due to partner Nadal in the doubles tournament.

The Spaniard won the gold medal in Beijing four years ago and was one of Spain's best hopes for title in London, despite his crashing out in the second round in Wimbledon, where the Olympic tennis competition will be held.