Rafael Nadal withdraws from London Olympic games

Defending Olympic tennis champion Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that he has withdrawn from the London Games.

In a statement Nadal said, "I am not in condition to compete in the London Olympics and therefore will not travel as planned with the Spanish delegation to take part in the games."

Nadal did not mention if he had any specific injury or personal issue hindering him from taking part in the games. The Associated Press noted that Nadal has experienced tendon and knee problems in the past. Most recently Nadal canceled a charity match in Madrid on July 4 because of tendon problems in his left knee.

Nadal added that he was thinking of his teammates and what is best for Spanish Sport. "I tried to hurry my preparations and training to the very last minute, but it was not to be."

According to The New York Times, Nadal was set to be the flag bearer for the Spanish team at next week's opening ceremony celebration. 

ESPN noted that no player (male or female) has ever won consecutive Olympic gold medals in singles.

More from GlobalPost: Mitt Romney: 2002 Olympic uniforms were made in Burma