Rafael Nadal pulls out of French Open with wrist injury

Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open. Image Source: File Pic
Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open. Image Source: File Pic

Internet Desk: Nine-time winner Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the French Open because of a wrist injury.

The Spaniard had progressed to the third round with a straight-sets win over Facundo Bagnis on Thursday – his 200th Grand Slam victory.

“Yesterday I played with an injection,” the 29-year-old told a news conference on Friday.

“Yesterday evening I started to feel more and more pain and today I felt I could not move my wrist.”

Nadal said he risked further injury – and a likely break in his wrist – if he continued to play.

He was speaking at a hastily-arranged news conference in Paris, just 24 hours before he was due to face compatriot Marcel Granollers.

“Nine times in my career I have been able to be healthy here in Paris and win this tournament,” Nadal said.

“This is a tough moment and the toughest press conference I have ever had to give but it’s not the end.”