By Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 10:40 EST, 25 October 2012 | UPDATED: 10:46 EST, 25 October 2012

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Paris Masters and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London because of his left knee problem.

The announcement is not a surprise, with the world No 4 having not played since his shock second-round loss to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June.

Nadal missed the Olympics and the US Open after revealing he had a partial tear in his patella tendon, and it was always unlikely he would return during the indoor hard-court season, his least favourite surface.

Out: Nadal won't play again this season

Out: Nadal won't play again this season

The 26-year-old said: 'It's disappointing for me to miss the last two tournaments of the season in Paris and London, but it doesn't come as a surprise.

'I will hopefully resume my tennis practice soon since I am making good progress with my recovery from injury.

'I am not ready to compete in time for these events so I will continue my recovery in Mallorca and work hard to be back as soon as possible.'

Nadal's absence is nevertheless a blow to the World Tour Finals, which begin at London's O2 Arena in a week and a half's time and feature the best eight players of the season.

Getting shirty: The Spaniard hasn't played since losing at Wilmbledon

Getting shirty: The Spaniard hasn't played since losing at Wilmbledon

The player ninth in the list when qualification ends following next week's tournament in Paris will now take Nadal's place, with Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic currently occupying that spot.

Brad Drewett, ATP executive chairman and president, said on www.atpworldtour.com: 'We wish Rafa all the best as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.

'Rafa is an incredible champion and it goes without saying that he has been missed on the ATP World Tour over the past few months. We look forward to welcoming him back on the tour very soon.'

Nadal is now likely to return to action at an exhibition in Abu Dhabi at the end of December as part of his preparations for the Australian Open. end

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I think rupertlark knows by now how we feel upon seeing that nasty and inappropriate comment - well deserved red arrows.

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Yeah cos taking testosterone is going to giving you the best forhand in the game! Sit down and be quiet rupert you numpty!

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No surprise. Would have been stupid if he played.

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This is no surpise, I am sorry. Of course I wish him well, I've missed him. Rafa was in Valencia yesterday attending an emotional farewell tribute ceremony to Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former #1 and a true gentleman of the game. Lots of players past and present in a packed stadium, big screen tributes from Federer, Djokovic and Murray. This is the esteem in which Juan Carlos is held. I'm surprised DM didn't report it. Infact Andy said Ferrero was always incredibly nice to him since very young.

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Rupertlark, "This is what happens when you take performance enhancing drugs" What is your problem? What evidence do you have? Or does your wife fancy Nadal?

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To get to the top is hard enough. To stay there is even harder. In most sports that means pushing yourself and your body to the limit. Sometimes you get a nasty injury. All true sports fans would wish him well, and a speedy recovery.

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This is what happens when you take performance enhancing drugs!!!!!!

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