Nadal out of Wimbledon warm-up at Halle

Rafael Nadal pulled out of next week’s Wimbledon grasscourt warm-up event at Halle today, the day before he takes on Spanish compatriot David Ferrer for a record eighth French Open title.

The Spaniard took his decision after playing for four hours and 37 minutes on Friday to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 9-7 to reach Sunday’s championship match in Paris.

“The last few months have been very difficult as have the first few rounds at Roland Garros. I face David Ferrer tomorrow and cannot prepare the best for Halle,” said Nadal.

The Spaniard added in Paris : “I think today is not the day to talk about Halle. I am here playing a final of Roland Garros tomorrow. It’s enough important.

“I respect every tournament. Halle is important tournament for me.”

Nadal had played in Halle in 2012, losing in the quarter-finals to Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.

“It’s a shame and regrettable that Rafael is not coming,” said Halle tournament director Ralf Webber.

“I understand his decision and know that it was difficult for him to make it. But the health of a player remains paramount.”

Roger Federer will be the top seed at the event which starts on Monday.