Media playback is not supported on this device Nadal withdraws from US Open with injury
Rafael Nadal is pulling out of the remainder of the year to prepare for 2019, including the French Open.
World number one Nadal, 32, has been struggling with a foot injury for much of 2017.
He had been targeting a comeback for 2018, but issued a statement confirming he will not play in the first five events of next year.
“I must really take it easy to recover so that I can take it to another level, and let’s see if I can give my absolute maximum for the rest of the year,” he said.
“The most important thing is that in the coming years I can face the challenges in the most difficult tournaments on a good and healthy condition.”
Nadal is aiming to start 2019 on the clay that he has dominated so heavily in recent years, having won nine titles on the surface and collected the French Open in eight of the past nine years.
The Spaniard returns to action later this month at the Paris Masters, where he will be aiming to draw level with Roger Federer as the world’s top ranked men’s player.
“Although I will not be playing for the next two months, I am determined to keep improving to be ready for next season,” said Nadal.
“I am very happy to come back to Paris. I love it, and I am confident that, with my hard work, I will get better and stronger.”