Rafael Nadal won the 2019 US Open title for the fourth time
Rafael Nadal will not be able to compete in the US Open because of a foot injury sustained during his 2021 season.
The injury forced the 20-time Grand Slam champion to miss the Cincinnati Masters as well as the Canadian Open last week.
This year's US Open saw the withdrawal of Dominic Thiem, the defending champion, and Roger Federer five times.
Nadal, 35 years old, posted on Instagram: "Honestly I have been suffering more than I should with the foot for a whole year and I need some time."
He said, "After discussing it with my family and the team, I have made the decision and believe it is the best way forward to recover and get well."
"I am determined to get back in shape and continue to compete for the things that motivate me most and the things I have done over the years.
"I believe that it is possible to recover the foot with a little daily effort and a lot of hard work. It is possible with my efforts.
To rest after the clay-court season, the four-time US Open champion didn't compete at Wimbledon or the Olympic Games.
He suffered the injury in June at the French Open, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in semi-finals.
The US Open will begin on Monday, 30th August. However, 2020 champion Thiem won't be there due to a wrist injury. Federer also has ended his season while he recovers from more knee surgery.
Federer and Nadal share the world number one spot with Novak Djokovic, who will be attempting to complete the calendar Grand Slam in Flushing Meadows for the record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
