Reigning French and US Open champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of this year’s US Open starting in a week’s time in New York due to a lingering wrist injury.

The world number two, whose last match was his fourth round exit to Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon in July, becomes only the fourth player since 1968 that will not defend his US Open title after Ken Rosewall, Pete Sampras and Juan Martin del Potro.

In a post on his facebook page, Nadal stated ”I am very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play at this year’s US Open. I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories.”

The 28-year old added that, ”Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.”

As a result of Nadal’s absence, Roger Federer is expected to be seeded second behind top ranked Novak Djokovic when the draws for the year’s final tennis grand slam are held on Thursday at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal has reached the US Open final three times since 2010, winning two titles by defeating Djokovic in 2010 and 2013, losing to the Serbian in 2011.

Also ruled out of the US Open is Del Potro who is still recovering from a wrist surgery.