Rafael Nadal was forced to withdraw from the 2016 French Open on Friday because of a lingering wrist injury ahead of his third-round match.Continue for updates.Nadal's Status Uncertain After Exiting MajorFriday, May 27Tom Perrotta of the Wall Street Journal confirmed the news. ESPN Tennis noted it's an issue with Nadal's left wrist.Roland Garros provided comments from the nine-time tournament champion about the decision: "I have to retire from the tournament because I have a problem in my wrist that I have since couple of weeks."Johnette Howardof ESPN.com noted Nadal said results from an MRI were "bad," and while it isn't broken, he couldn't have finished the event. He also stated he doesn't need surgery as things currently stand, but that may have changed if he kept trying to play, perHoward.Jon WertheimofSports Illustratedrelayed further details from Nadal, who had felt the pain for the past three tournaments and added, "every day is worse."His decision comes one day after a second-round victory over Facundo Bagnis gave him 200 wins in Grand Slam events. He was scheduled to face Marcel Granollers in Round 3 on Saturday. Granollers will now advance to the fourth round via walkover.It's merely the latest in a long string of health setbacks for the 29-year-old Spaniard. He was one of the most explosive players on tour early in his career, but his hard-nosed style of play has taken a toll on his body, especially his knees, in recent years.He's also the second high-profile superstar to remove himself from the season's second major due to physical concerns. Longtime friendly rival Roger Federer withdrew before the event began, citing his "overall fitness," perChristopher Clareyof theNew York Times.Nadal didn't provide a timetable for his potential return to action. It's unfortunate timing with a busy summer schedule ahead that includes the Summer Olympics in Brazil and the season's remaining majors, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.He's put together an outstanding career resume with 14 major titles and an Olympic gold medal. But the consistent injury woes make it fair to wonder whether fans will ever see him back at full strength for an extended period of time.
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