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Published on September 24, 2007

The triple Roland Garros champion sustained a knee injury prior to the US Open, but persisted to test his mettle at Flushing Meadows. He paid the price, losing to countryman David Ferrer in round four.

"I'm really sorry to announce I have to withdraw from the Thailand Open . I have sought medical advice and have been advised to rest my knees for at least another few weeks,'' Nadal saidin a statement.

"I was very much looking forward to playing my first Thailand Open. Thailand is a beautiful country and I've heard so many good things about it. I am sorry to have disappointed my Thai fans, and I hope to make it to Thailand in 2008,'' added the Spaniard, who has yet to enter an event since the year's last Major.

Replacing Nadal is compatriot Carlos Moya, ranked No 15 in the world. The former world No 1 and ex- French Open winner opens his account against Benjamin Becker of Germany.

US Open runner-up Novak Djokovic heads the stellar field which also includes 2004 finalist Andy Roddick, world No 10 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic and No 11 Tommy Haas of Germany.

Thai No 1 Danai Udomchoke has a tailor-made draw as he is set to meet a qualifier in the first round. Wild-card holder Kittipong Wachiramanowong faces the third-seeded Berdych.

In the second qualifying round yesterday, new Thai sensation Peerakait Siriluethaiwattana was the last Thai in the competition following his win over Japan's sixth-seeded Gouichi Motomura 7-5 4-1. The latter retired, citing stomach upset.  But Weerapat Doakmaiklee fell to American top seed Zack Fleishman 6-1 6-4.

Elsewhere, German Dominik Meffert beat American Scoot Lipsky 6-4 6-3, Swiss George Bastl ousted American Phillip King 3-6 6-3 7-5, American David Martin toppled South African Chris Haggard 6-3 6-4, and second-seeded Harel Levy of Israel picked off Japan's Norikazu Sugiyama 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.

The Nation