Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will not be participating in the forthcoming 2008 Davis Cup final. The world number one has been on the sidelines since withdrawing from the Paris Masters last month with a knee injury.

After weeks of speculation over his participation in the Davis Cup final, Nadal confirmed yesterday that tendinitis in his knee would prevent him from taking part in the Davis Cup final later this month.

“The knee said no,” Nadal said.”These are very difficult moments, but I have done all that I could to be ready for the final. It was a huge objective, and I’m used to playing with pain, but this is a distinct, new pain that I couldn’t control.”

The Spanish Davis Cup team doctor has said that Nadal will need at least 6 weeks to recover from his injury. Nadal’s place in the Spanish Davis Cup team will most likely be passed to either Tommy Robredo or Nicolas Almagro.

Argentinean Davis Cup captain Alberto Mancini was upbeat about his side’s chances against Spain after hearing of Nadal’s withdrawal from the Davis Cup final, saying: “We’re sorry for him, but it’s good news. Spain is one thing with Nadal, and another thing without him.”