by Yorkshire Post

Rafael Nadal will not defend his Wimbledon title unless he is 100 per cent fit.

Nadal confirmed that he will travel to London next Tuesday to prepare for the tournament after undergoing in-depth medical tests on his troublesome knees for the last 36 hours.

Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro has carried out a detailed examination on Nadal and insists that the player will be able to return to training shortly.

"I have been playing with pain in my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this," said Nadal. "The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.

"After the tests and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London next Tuesday.

"I am going to give 200 per cent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world. The tournament that I always dream about.

"I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 per cent ready to play."

Andy Roddick moved into the third round of the AEGON Championships with a fine two-set victory over Belgian Kristof Vliegen.

The American, seeded No 2, won the first set 6-1 and despite a spirited comeback by Vliegen, Roddick clinched the match 6-4 in the second.

The world No 6 has suffered only three defeats at the Queen's Club since making his debut in 2001.

He won three of his titles in consecutive years between 2003-2005 and collected his last crown two years ago against Nicolas Mahut.

"I feel pretty good," said Roddick. "I thought I served well, I thought I returned well at times. It was pretty solid all around."

Juan Carlos Ferrero progressed into the second round with victory over former tournament runner-up Sebastien Grosjean - his 400th career win.

British No 1 Anne Keothavong recovered from an early blip to move into the second round of the AEGON Classic in Birmingham with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Sofia Arvidsson.

The 11th seed, who has not been particularly successful on the grass at Edgbaston, dropped her serve in the first game and saved two break points to avoid going 3-0 down before going on to win in just over an hour.

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