Knee problem forces Nadal to withdraw from Barcelona Open

Injured Rafael Nadal will miss the Barcelona Open this week because of knee-related problems.

Nadal secured the Monte Carlo Masters title on Sunday for the sixth consecutive time, but victory came at a price as he will now be forced to miss this week's tournament in his homeland.

"I regret not being able to play in Barcelona, more than any other tournament, but this year after winning in Monte Carlo I must rest my body," the Daily Express quoted Nadal, as saying.

"I feel it especially not being able to play because it is my home tournament.

"I have said repeatedly that the long tennis season, particularly the clay-court season, is badly structured and, for me, not being able to play in Barcelona is a consequence of this," he added.

Nadal follows David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro in pulling out of the event.