World number one and French Open champion Rafael Nadal will not play the Fever-Tree Championships ahead of Wimbledon.
Nadal stated his exploits on clay this year – which has included record titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome – had taken its toll on his body, and after discussions with doctors he has decided to withdraw.
"Queen's is a great event, I have happy memories of winning the title in 2008 and I wanted to come back this year," Nadal told the tournament's official website.
"But it has been a very long clay court season for me with great results. I would like to say sorry to the tournament organisers and most of all to the fans that were hoping to see me play, but I have spoken to my doctors and I need to listen to what my body is telling me."
Nadal claimed an unprecedented 11th Roland Garros crown last weekend, but did experience some discomfort during the third set against Dominic Thiem.
The Spaniard – who won at Queen's in 2008 – was scheduled to feature in London ahead of the year's third grand slam, but now it appears he could have no grass-court preparation before Wimbledon begins on July 2.
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