French Open champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Queen's Club tournament, the major warmup event for Wimbledon, saying he is following his doctor's recommendation.

But in an astonishing resurgence the Mallorcan reached this year's Australian Open final, losing a classic to old sparring partner Roger Federer, and has steamrollered through the European claycourt season, winning a 10th title in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and a fifth in Madrid.

It is a slight blow to the tournament but the field is led by world number one Andy Murray, who is the defending champion and has won Queen's on five occasions. Along with improving to 10-0 in finals at Roland Garros, Nadal increased his haul to 15 Grand Slam trophies, breaking a tie with Pete Sampras for second place in the history of men's tennis, behind only rival Roger Federer's 18.

Over his career, Nadal has proven himself as one of the fittest-and strongest-tennis players on tour. Federer would emerge victorious from their most recent final meeting, however, claiming this year's Australian Open at the Spaniard's expense. As I said before, the French Open is the most important tournament of the year.

Rafael Nadal pulled out of his principle lead-in event to Wimbledon on Tuesday night, raising the question of how big a challenge he will be able to mount on the grass court this summer.

"Trust me, this is an happy moment for me because it's great to be the one to set this record".

"It's truly incredible", Nadal told the crowd.

Twelve months ago, Nadal quit the French Open with a wrist injury before the third round. I don't know. I am playing well.

Since winning his maiden title on his debut in 2005, Nadal has only failed to take home the trophy on three occasions - in 2009 when he lost to Robin Soderling, in 2015 when he was beaten by Novak Djokovic and previous year when he had to pull out because of a wrist injury. Protesters Hold 'Die In' At McConnell's Office Lil' Kim Investigated by LAPD After Armed Robbery Eternal Badass Alysia Montano Runs 800 Meters Five Months Pregnant Boston Red Sox Fall To Angels After Farrell Was Ejected Capitol Hill police break up health care bill protest Iran Launches Missiles into Syria targeting ISIS Phil Spencer considers PlayStation 4 Pro an Xbox One S competitor Pelicans trade up, take Duke's Frank Jackson in 2nd round

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