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Your support makes all the difference.Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will do everything he can to overcome persistent knee problems and defend his Wimbledon title.
The world number one has been troubled by knee ailments in recent weeks and was forced to pull out of this week's AEGON Championships at Queen's Club.
However, in a statement today the Spaniard confirmed he would try to get back to fitness in time for Wimbledon when it gets under way on 22 June.
Nadal has been undergoing tests on his knee over the last two days to determine whether he would be able to compete.
The examinations revealed he is suffering from tendonitis in both kneecaps and the 23-year-old admitted he will only appear at SW19 if he is ready.
"I have been playing with pain in my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this," he said on his official website, http://www.rafaelnadal.com.
"The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.
"After the tests, and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London next Tuesday, June 16.
"I am going to give 200 per cent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world, the tournament that I always dream about.
"I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 per cent ready to play.
"I have two difficult weeks ahead of me, especially because I won't be doing what I like doing most, which is to play tennis, but I will be working on my recovery through physiotherapy treatments as well as recovery work on the specific muscular area."
Nadal won his first Wimbledon title following an epic five-set battle with Roger Federer in what was the Spaniard's third successive final appearance at the All England Club.
He recently saw his bid for a fifth successive French Open trophy ended by Robin Soderling in the fourth round.
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