Spanish tennis ace Nadal withdraws from Olympics

 LONDON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that he will not be able to defend his Olympic title in London.

Nadal, issued a statement explaining that he hasn't recovered from tendonitis in his knees, which has affected¹ him for several weeks. "It is one of the saddest moments in my career," said Nadal, who is currently² world No. 3.

Nadal's withdrawal³ from the 2012 Olympic Games was a double blow for him given that he had also been chosen to be the flagbearer for the Spanish team in the opening ceremony on July 27.

That honor⁴ will almost certainly now be taken over by yachtsman Iker or Fernandzer, while Feliciano Lopez will probably replace Nadal in the tennis. Meanwhile there is also a question as to who will now play alongside⁵ Marcel Granollers, who was due to partner Nadal in the doubles tournament.

The Spaniard won the gold medal in Beijing four years ago and was one of Spain's best hopes for title in London, despite his crashing out in the second round in Wimbledon, where the Olympic tennis competition will be held.

1 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

2 currently   

adv.通常地，普遍地，当前

参考例句：

• Currently it is not possible to reconcile this conflicting evidence.当前还未有可能去解释这一矛盾的例证。
• Our contracts are currently under review.我们的合同正在复查。

3 withdrawal   

n.取回，提款；撤退，撤军；收回，撤销

参考例句：

• The police were forced to make a tactical withdrawal.警方被迫进行战术撤退。
• They insisted upon a withdrawal of the statement and a public apology.他们坚持要收回那些话并公开道歉。

4 honor   

n.光荣；敬意；荣幸；vt.给…以荣誉；尊敬

参考例句：

• I take your visit as a great honor.您的来访是我莫大的光荣。
• It is a great honor to receive that prize.能拿到那个奖是无上的光荣。

5 alongside   

adv.在旁边；prep.和...在一起，在...旁边

参考例句：

• There was a butcher's shop alongside the theatre.剧院旁边有一家肉店。
• Alongside of him stood his uncle.他的身旁站着他叔叔。