Rafael Nadal has been forced to pull out of the Stuttgart Cup tournament because of a knee injury picked up on his way to winning the Wimbledon title.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in his third-round win over Mikhail Youzhny and flew to Germany in person to apologise to tournament organisers.

"My doctors have said I need a couple of days rest. I will now get examined for an exact diagnosis," he said.

"I only want to return to the court once I am 100% fit," he added.

Nadal's epic five-set win over Roger Federer in Sunday's Wimbledon final saw him become the first Spaniard in more than 40 years to win the title.

Federer, who was aiming for a record-equalling sixth successive Wimbledon title, recovered from two sets down to go the distance.

And Nadal admitted to BBC Sport that when he saw Federer's revival, he did have doubts about whether he could hang on.

"I was worried," he said.

"I was playing against the best player in the world, I know how well he can play, so it's very difficult to beat him anywhere, even more so at Wimbledon.

"I tried to be positive and play it point by point, and then wait if I had my chance."

Federer was gracious in defeat, but admitted that the fact he had played in what is already being spoken of as possibly the greatest final in Wimbledon history was little consolation for the pain of losing.

"Maybe in 20 years, but not right now," he said.

"It's more disappointing, accepting the fact that I'm not the titleholder any more which I was so proud of for five years - it's great being part of such a match but right now, that doesn't give me anything."

But the 26-year-old was quick to dispel any suggestions he may not have the stomach for a fight in the future.

"I'm sure I'll find motivation to come back here and win again," he said.

"I'm healthy and motivated and fit and eager, so I hope I can come back many more times and enjoy Centre Court as I did for the last two weeks. I'm already looking forward to next year."

Former three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said Nadal's win confirmed his status as the world's best player.

"Whoever wins the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year for me is the number one in the world," he said.

"The computer just didn't get it yet."

This year's final was the longest in history, beating the record set by John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors in 1982, and McEnroe said it was "the greatest match I have ever seen."

(BBC)

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