NADAL KNEES REST

Spanish tennis star
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Conde de Godo tournament in
Barcelona because of further problems in his knees.

The
former world number one had just returned to winning ways after
triumphing in Monte Carlo, but tendonitis in his knees forced him out
of the Barcelona competition.

"My body has asked me to rest," he explained in Barcelona based spots paper El Mundo Deportivo.

Nadal
was plagued with knee problems last year and was unable to play at
Queens, Wimbledon or take part in the final of the Davis Cup, which
Spain won in Barcelona.

"I
have said on several occasions that the calendar is badly structured at
this time of the season," commented Nadal, in reference to the fact
that the competitions in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and the Rome Masters
(which begins next week) represent three consecutive weeks of
competition with no rest in between.

"I
am really sorry I can't play in Barcelona, more than in any other
competition. I feel it is the competition that is played in my club and
at my home," he explained.

Nadal
will now focus on recovering in time to play the Rome Masters, before
competing in the Madrid Masters in early 9-16 May and then the French
Open (May 23-June 6).