RAFAEL NADAL said today that he will not play in forthcoming tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai because of an injured right knee.

Nadal says he and his team decided to skip the Asia swing to recover.

The top-ranked Spaniard retired in the semi-finals of the US Open this month because of the knee problem. He had dropped the opening two sets against Juan Martin del Potro when he retired.

The 32-year-old Nadal, who has often dealt with knee pain, won the Beijing tournament last year. He lost the final in Shanghai to Roger Federer.

Nadal, who has won 17 Grand Slam titles, announced his decision not to play in Asia through posts on his Twitter account.

“This past Monday I was in Barcelona looking with the doctors at the situation of my knee.

“While the discomfort in my knee is nothing new, we decided together with my medical and technical team not to participate in the Asian tour so we can help the knee recover in the way we have always done.

“I regret not being able to be with all the fans in China.”