Champion Nadal doubtful for Wimbledon

Champion Rafael Nadal [ Images ] is a doubt for this year's Wimbledon [ Images ] championships because of a knee injury, his coach said on Saturday.

"We will see on Monday or Tuesday. We will go to Barcelona to see what the problem is. I am not too optimistic," the world number one's uncle and coach Toni Nadal told French radio RMC.

"Of course, if there is a possibility for him to take part in one the world's greatest tournaments, he will.

"He is very affected by this."

The Spaniard had already pulled out of next week's warm-up tournament at Queen's Club and now faces the possibility of missing the season's third grand slam, which begins on June 22.

Nadal's four-year reign at the French Open [ Images ] was ended by Swede Robin Soderling [ Images ] in the fourth round. He also lost to Roger Federer [ Images ] in the Madrid Open final last month.

Although the world number one did not complain of any knee problems following those defeats he has been plagued by tendinitis in recent years.

A gruelling claycourt season, during which he won titles in Monte Carlo, Rome and Barcelona, appears to have taken its toll on the 23-year-old.