Update: Rafa's Statements to the press in Spanish (translation courtesy of Ana Ford Sanz)


Después del gran momento de forma que evidenció en Montecarlo. ¿Por qué la decisión de no competir en Barcelona?

After your great performance and shape shown in Monte Carlo, why have you decided not to compete in Barcelona?

Ha sido una decisión meditada y lo he tenido bastante claro después de haber pasado un año bastante difícil. Necesitaba descansar y era el momento.

It has been a decision that I have thought a lot about, and I had it quite clear, after having such a difficult last year. I need to rest and this was the moment.

¿No está bien físicamente?

Are you not ok physically?

Empecé en Australia con algún problema en la rodilla (se retiró en cuartos de final ante Murray), después me he encontrado bien, pero si no estás bien físicamente jugar así es imposible, aunque ese no es el motivo. No jugué infiltrado en Montecarlo, he pasado las revisiones habituales y físicamente no hay nada importante. Si no hubiese estado bien mis rodillas no hubiesen aguantado.

I began Australia with some problems in my knee, later I was feeling fine, but if you are not ok physically, to play that way is impossible, although that is not the reason. I did not play in Monte Carlo with antiinflamatory shots, I have done the regular checkups and physcially I am fine. If I was not fine, my knees would have not put up with it. (not beared)

¿Es el calendario?

Is it the calendar?

Ganar en Montecarlo me hacía falta, pero jugar tres semanas consecutivas en tierra y con partidos largos es complicado. El año pasado lo quise hacer y no me salió del todo bien; ahora mi intención es llegar en la mejor forma a la competición.

The victory in Montecarlo, I needed it, but to play 3 weeks in a row in clay and with long matches is very tough and complicated. Last year I wanted to to that and it did not turn out as expected, now my intention is to be in the best shape in competition.

¿Lo había previsto ya?

Did you already plan this?

No lo tenía previsto en absoluto. El tenis no es fútbol y yo no sabía en Montecarlo si iba a caer en primera ronda o si llegaría a la final. La planificación de una temporada no se hace por torneos, sino por los partidos que juegas. Creo que ahora jugar tres semanas seguidas sin parar no sería lo más adecuado.

I did not plan this at all. Tennis is not like football (soccer), I did not know in Monte Carlo if I was going to pass first round or not and reach the final. The planning of a season you do not do it according to the tournaments but regarding the matches you play. I think now to have played 3 weeks in a row would not have been the best decision.

¿No piensa que ha podido equivocarse con su decisión?

Don't you think you can have made a mistake with this decision?

Tomarla ha sido muy complicado, pero también creo que es la adecuada aunque posteriormente pueda equivocarme.

To have decided this, have been very tough, but I also think it is the right one, although later maybe I could have been wrong.

¿Qué objetivos se plantea ahora?

What are your objectives now?

Mi objetivo final es estar bien cada vez que salgo a competir, pero ahora sí es cierto que mi objetivo inmediato es estar a tope para Roma. Estoy contento de haber ganado la semana pasada en Montecarlo. Jugué a uno de mis mejores niveles en tierra. Me gustaría jugar en Madrid, porque es un torneo obligatorio e importante. Haré lo posible por hacerlo.

My final objective is to be fine each time I go out and compete, but right now, it is true that my inmediate objetive is to be perfect for Rome(top shape) I am very happy to have won last week in Monte Carlo. I have played at one of my best levels on clay. I would love toplay in Madrid, because it is a mandatory tournament and important one. I will do my best to be there.

 
Source
 **

Rafa Nadal: "No play is a serious blow"

The last Banc Sabadell Open champion Rafael Nadal has tried to explain the reasons for his resignation from the tournament with a press conference accompanied by the tournament director Albert Costa and the President of the Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona, Albert Agustí.
The Spaniard has expressed its regret at the absence, "not to play here is a big blow, is a tournament that I love and I feel at home." It has also revealed that "I'll be here next year certainly." The problems that the Spaniard has put forward are not physical, "everyone seeks the best for you and prefer to rest in order to face the most of the parties, is the only way to win." Nadal has admitted that the victory in Monte Carlo has given him great confidence, "I recovered my best level, after spending a year with many problems and difficult to accept."
The player has spared no praise for the tournament, "Banc Sabadell Open does not depend on the players to come, and is important for himself, is a historic circuit." He would not make any predictions about who will succeed him as champion, "anyone can win, but hopefully win a Spanish." On the other hand if you want luck to FC Barcelona in their commitment tonight, "is the best team and hopefully win, Messi is matchless doing things."
Albert Costa also regretted the absence of Nadal, "is a blow to the tournament, but we still have a big sign." It has been shown grateful to the current No. 3 ranking, "we value their efforts and wish him well." In the same line has been uttered Albert Agustí, "is not good news for the fans, although we appreciate your effort," has ruled.

A small video here provided by marca.com