Nadal to skip Spain's Davis Cup clash with US

Rafael Nadal will skip Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final against the United States in July, with the top-ranked Spaniard blaming his decision on the ITF for a lack of scheduling consideration.

Nadal says his "priority is to be healthy and I have to stop ... after the first part of the season ends I need to rest," according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The French Open champion is defending his Wimbledon title and says he needs to have his knees examined and 15-20 days rest before taking on the second half of the season, with his fitness for August's U.S. Open the priority.

Nadal says the International Tennis Federation shows "no consideration" to the players in deciding its hectic season schedule.