Wrist injury rules Rafa Nadal out of Queen’s

The wrist injury that cut short Rafael Nadal’s French Open forced the Spaniard to pull out of the Queen’s Club grasscourt tournament that serves as a tune-up for Wimbledon.

The 14-time grand slam champion won the Queen’s event in 2008, going on to win his first of two titles at the All England Club.

The left-hander suddenly announced last week in Paris that he could not continue to play at Roland Garros, where he had won a record nine trophies.

He withdrew the day before his third-round match, saying he won in the second round after receiving a painkilling injection but was in too much pain to continue playing.

“I am very sad that my wrist injury means that I cannot play at The Queen’s Club this year,” Nadal said in a statement.

The winner of a rare Roland Garros, Queen’s and, Wimbledon treble in 2008 added: “It’s a tournament and a club that I love. I enjoy playing in front of the British people.

“I was looking forward to trying to win the title for a second time. I look forward to returning in future years.”

Defending champion Andy Murray will take the top seeding at the June 18-24 event, with Swiss Stan Wawrinka challenging along with 2011 finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and fellow top-10 players Milos Raonic and Richard Gasquet.