Federer sad at Nadal's withdrawal

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer is sad Rafael Nadal's knee injury has put a temporary halt to one of the sport's greatest rivalries, the world number two said on Saturday.

Spaniard Nadal, who beat Federer in an epic five-set Wimbledon final last year, withdrew on Friday with tendonitis in both knees, leaving the Swiss to once again open play on Centre Court on Monday, albeit a little sheepishly.

"I shouldn't deserve it this year because Rafa deserves it (as champion) but I am obviously very honoured that the championships chose me again to open the tournament," Federer, who trails Nadal 13-7 in their head-to-heads told Reuters.

Nadal's decision to pull out opens the door for Federer to win a record 15th grand slam although the five-times Wimbledon champion would prefer to make history with another clash against his great adversary.

"We played the last three years against each other here at Wimbledon," Federer told reporters. "So we definitely won't see the same final again. That's disappointing for me, of course, because I'd love to play him.

"He's my main rival. We've had some wonderful matches over the years, and especially the one here last year was the one that obviously stands out.

"That we can't potentially repeat that is obviously sad. I'm also sad for him because it must have been a very difficult decision to make."

NADAL STRUGGLING