Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Conde de Godo tournament in Barcelona because of further problems in his knees.

The former world number one had just returned to winning ways after triumphing in Monte Carlo, but tendonitis in his knees forced him out of the Barcelona competition.

"My body has asked me to rest," he explained in Barcelona based spots paper El Mundo Deportivo.

Nadal was plagued with knee problems last year and was unable to play at Queens, Wimbledon or take part in the final of the Davis Cup, which Spain won in Barcelona.

"I have said on several occasions that the calendar is badly structured at this time of the season," commented Nadal, in reference to the fact that the competitions in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and the Rome Masters (which begins next week) represent three consecutive weeks of competition with no rest in between.

"I am really sorry I can't play in Barcelona, more than in any other competition. I feel it is the competition that is played in my club and at my home," he explained.

Nadal will now focus on recovering in time to play the Rome Masters, before competing in the Madrid Masters in early 9-16 May and then the French Open (May 23-June 6).