Rafael Nadal has admitted that having to withdraw from his favoured French Open with a wrist injury has been "one of the toughest days" of his life.
The Spaniard, who eased through the first three rounds of the Grand Slam in Paris, announced that he cannot continue in the tournament, one day after beating Facundo Bagnis.
The nine-time French Open champion told reporters that if he carried on playing, he would end up breaking his wrist.
He later wrote on Facebook: "Today is one of the toughest days. Having to withdraw from arguably the most important tournament of my career, a tournament that I love so much.
"I will be back in Roland Garros in the next years and hope to keep having chances in the future. Many thanks to all my fans for the support."
Nadal won titles in Barcelona and Monte Carlo in the build-up to Roland Garros.
