LONDON, July 21: Feliciano Lopez has replaced the injured Rafael Nadal on Spain’s tennis team for the London Olympics.

The No. 30-ranked Lopez was called in by Spain on Friday after Nadal was forced to pull out with an undisclosed injury.

Nadal, a record seven-time French Open champion, lost in the second round at Wimbledon last month and hasn’t played since.

Marc Lopez was selected to take Nadal’s place for doubles at the Olympics and will play with Marcel Granollers.

Nadal also was to be Spain’s flag-bearer for next Friday’s opening ceremony at the London Games.

However, owing to his unavailability the Spanish Olympic committee named basketball player Pau Gasol as his replacement for carrying the national flag at the extravaganza.

Spain says Gasol, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been chosen to replace Nadal because he represents “the best values in sport and competition.”

The Olympic tennis tournament will be played at Wimbledon from July 28 to Aug 5.—Agencies