Rafael Nadal will not be able to defend his title in the 2014 US Open that is set to start on Aug. 25 due to a right wrist injury that is still bothering the Spaniard.

Nadal, who hurt his right wrist in a practice session as part of his preparation for his upcoming title defense, announced his decision on Monday through a post on his Facebook account, which was also published on the 2014 US Open official website.

"I am very sorry to announce I won't be able to play at this year's US Open, a tournament on which I've played three consecutive finals in my last participations," Nadal said.

The 28-year-old tennis superstar, who won the men's title in 2010 and last year when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals, will miss the Grand Slam event for the second time in three years after also skipping the 2012 edition due to a knee injury.

Nadal expressed disappointment over his failure to recover in time for the tournament. He said that he cannot do anything about the current situation, but he vowed to return stronger when he recovers from the injury.

"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 from fans, the night matches, so many things," Nadal said. "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."

With the 14-time Grand Slam champion out of this year's tournament, Djokovic, who won the tournament in 2011, is expected to become a heavy favorite to lift this year's trophy at Flushing Meadows.

Former world No. 1 Roger Federer, who has five US Open titles under his belt, will also be a man to watch next week. The Swiss tennis star won the Master 1000 event in Cincinnati and finished runner-up in Toronto.

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