London, July 20 : Tennis star Rafael Nadal has described his decision to pull out of the Spanish contingent for the London Olympics as the saddest day of his life, and added that he took the decision in the interest of sport in Spain.

Nadal, who was selected as the flag bearer of the Spanish contingent at the Olympics, revealed he was not in the right condition to participate.

The 11-time Grand Slam champion has not played in any game since his shock defeat to 100th ranked Lukas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon.

"It is one of the saddest moments of my career. I am not in condition to compete in the London Olympics, and therefore, will not travel as planned with the Spanish delegation to take part in the Games," The Telegraph quoted Nadal, as saying.

"I have to think about my companions, I can''t be selfish and, I have to think of what''s best for Spanish sport, especially tennis and Spanish players and give fellow sportsmen with better preparation the chance to compete. I''ve waited until the final moment of my preparation and my training, but I cannot do it," he added.

Nadal did not mention any specific injury, but he had cancelled a charity match in Madrid on July 4 because of tendon problems in his left knee.

The tennis competition in Olympics, which will be held at the All England Club, begins on July 28 with Serbia''s Novak Djokovic the top seed. (ANI)