Rafael Nadal will not defend his Wimbledon title unless he is 100 per cent fit. Nadal has confirmed he will travel to London next Tuesday to prepare for the tournament after undergoing in-depth medical tests on his troublesome knees for the last 36 hours. Roger Federer is also playing it safe and has withdrawn from this week's Gerry Weber Open in Halle.
Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro has carried out a detailed examination on Nadal and insists that the player will be able to return to training shortly.
"I have been playing with pain in my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this," said Nadal. "The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.
"After the tests and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London next Tuesday.
"I am going to give 200 per cent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world - the tournament that I always dream about.
"I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 pre cent ready to play."
He added on his official website: "I have two difficult weeks ahead of me, especially because I won't be doing what I like doing most, which is to play tennis, but I will be working on my recovery through physiotherapy treatments as well as recovery work on the specific muscular area."
Doctor Ruiz-Cotorro, the Spanish Federation doctor and managing director of the Mapfre Medical Tennis Centre, added: "After the appropriate tests (MRI, ultrasound scans and gammagraphy) Mr Nadal suffers from insertion tendonitis in the superior end of both kneecaps with a light osseous edema.
"His treatment will involve oral anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy as well as progressive muscular exercises.
"Following the 48-hour treatment, Mr Nadal will gradually get back into training."
World number two Federer claimed his first French Open crown on Sunday after beating Robin Soderling in straight sets, but after an emotionally draining tournament that saw him win at Roland Garros for the first time, he says he is not in a position to play again so soon.
"I am sorry to announce that I have decided to withdraw from this week's Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany," the five-time champion said in a message on his official website. "I sincerely apologise to the tournament organisers, my competitors, and my fans in Germany.
"I only hope they will understand that I still feel emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted by the incredible events of the past few days.
"It is hard for me to admit, but I simply cannot imagine giving my best effort in another tournament right away and I don't want to risk injury if I am not 100 per cent prepared. I need to rest and recuperate."
Federer was due to play Israeli qualifier Harel Levy in the first round.