Tired Nadal to skip Halle tournament

French Open finalist Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week's Wimbledon warm-up event at Halle in Germany, citing fatigue after a busy few weeks of tennis.

The Spaniard will try to win his eighth crown on the Roland Garros clay courts in Paris on Sunday against compatriot David Ferrer.

"It is a pity and unfortunate Rafael cannot come," said Halle tournament director Ralf Weber in a statement. "But I understand his decision...his health is the top priority."

World No 4 Nadal has recently won titles in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome, hitting top form on his favourite clay ahead of the French Open after coming back in February from a lengthy injury absence.

Photographs Clive Brunskill/Getty Images