Champion Rafa Nadal has pulled out of the US Open, which begins next Monday, after failing to recover from a right wrist injury.

The 28-year-old Spaniard sustained the injury in practice last month and had been training with a cast on his right wrist, forcing him to miss the Rogers Cup in Toronto and last week's Cincinnati Open.

"I am very sorry to announce that I won't be able to play at this year's US Open," the world number two said on Facebook on Monday.

"I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things.”

"Not much more I can do right now other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back."

The 14-times grand slam winner also triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2010.
Despite missing the entire North American hardcourt campaign, Nadal had hoped to compete in New York, previously posting a picture of himself working on court with his uncle and coach Toni with a black wrist support clearly visible.

The left-hander, who plays with a double-handed backhand, won his ninth French Open title in June but has not played since losing in the fourth round to Australian Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon on July 2.