Rafael Nadal in injury scare ahead of Australian Open as he pulls out of ATP Cup opener
Rafael Nadal has suffered an injury scare ahead of the Australian Open with the world No 2 forced to skip Spain’s ATP Cup tie against Australia.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was due to kick off his 2021 campaign against Australia’s Alex de Minaur in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon.
However, a lower back problem forced him to withdraw from the day’s action.
Hi all, we have decided with #TeamSpain and my team, to not play today the first match of the @ATPCup here in #Melbourne since I have a stiff low back. Hopefully I’ll be better for Thursday. We have a strong team, all the to @pablocarreno91 @BautistaAgut & @M_Granollers #vamos 🇪🇸
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 2, 2021
“Hi all, we have decided with #TeamSpain and my team, to not play today the first match of the @ATPCup here in #Melbourne since I have a stiff low back,” he wrote on social media. “Hopefully I’ll be better for Thursday.”
Pablo Carreño Busta will instead take to court on Tuesday, but Spain have made tweaks as Roberto Bautista Agut will now take on De Minaur with Carreño Busta facing John Millman first up. Carreno Busta will then team up with Marcel Granollers in the doubles.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
French OpenCarlos Alcaraz makes 23-year-old top ten player feel old
Carlos Alcaraz makes Casper Ruud feel like time is getting away from him.
-
French OpenCasper Ruud a big fan of Ons Jabeur and Simona Halep
Ons Jabeur claimed the Madrid Open title earlier this month.
-
French OpenExclusive – Annabel Croft on ‘big match player’ Emma Raducanu’s prospects for this summer
Annabel Croft has backed teenager Raducanu to defy some of her doubters this summer.
-
French OpenFrench Open: Rafael Nadal slips, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz favourite
Rafael Nadal is still considered a strong contender for the French Open crown.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer comeback on track as agent reveals Swiss icon is keen to have a crack at Wimbledon 2023
Roger Federer “won’t rush back this time”.
-
French OpenFrench Open talking points: Ashleigh Barty void, Emma Raducanu’s pain, Hawk-Eye snub
A few talking points ahead of the 2022 French Open.
-
French OpenRed-hot Iga Swiatek ’embracing’ the pressure ahead of French Open, says Martina Navratilova
Iga Swiatek is thriving.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic ‘rose in Belgrade’, says tennis pundit as he highlights ‘turning point’ in world No 1’s season
Novak Djokovic “very close to his best form”.
-
French OpenThe British singles contenders at the 2022 French Open: Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie lead the way
The top British players in the main draw at Roland Garros.
-
French OpenCarlos Alcaraz heartbroken about Rafael Nadal injury, saying: ‘It hurts me to see him suffer’
Carlos Alcaraz admits it is painful to see Rafael Nadal suffer.