Rafael Nadal casts doubt over whether he will play at the Australian Open
Rafael Nadal showed some good form as he returned to action following a foot injury in Abu Dhabi, but he has now stunned his army of fans by casting doubt over his participation in next month’s Australian Open.
Nadal lost his match against old foe Andy Murray on Friday, but the quality of the contest suggested the Spaniard was edging back towards full fitness.
The former world No.1 then showed some good form in a tight defeat against Denis Shapovalov on Saturday at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, with his comments after the second of those matches somewhat unexpected.
At the age of 35, the 20-time Grand Slam champion had confirmed he wants to travel to Melbourne next month, but it is evident that a final decision has yet to be made.
“I need to talk to my team, see how my body responds after these days,” said Nadal, as he was asked about his plans for the Australian Open.
“The plan is to go to Australia, but I cannot guarantee it one hundred percent. I have time to make a decision.
“There are things to improve, but looking at things with perspective it has been a positive tournament.
“I cannot guarantee Australia one hundred percent, because I need to go home and see how the body responds after these days. I have time to make a decision. At this point in my career, I need to go day by day, study each movement well.
“I have been able to show a competitive level against good players even without being in perfect condition. There are things to improve, but looking at things with perspective it has been a positive tournament.”
When asked when he would make a decision on his immediate future, Nadal added: “I am not playing at all for money or just for fun, I am playing to keep achieving goals or at least to enjoy the process to try to achieve my goals.
“If then you don’t achieve, it’s fine, but the motivation and the passion is still there.”
All eyes will be on Nadal over the next few days, as he makes a final call on whether he will play at the Australian Open.
Latest
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev claims first title of 2022 after downing Cameron Norrie
Medvedev moves up to fifth in the ATP Race To Turin thanks to the 250 points he has banked in Mexico.
-
ATP TourMontreal draw: Daniil Medvedev set for nightmare opener against Nick Kyrgios
Taylor Fritz faces Andy Murray in one of the highlights of the first round.
-
Tennis FeaturesHow much is tennis legend John McEnroe worth?
John McEnroe owns several properties and continues to do broadcasting work.
-
NewsLos Cabos: Cameron Norrie eye on third ATP Tour title of 2022
The British number one battled to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory in the semi-finals.
-
Tennis NewsCiti Open: Nick Kyrgios marches on as Dan Evans is upset
Nick Kyrgios is chasing a repeat of 2019 and a first title since his last DC Triumph.
-
WTA TourToronto draw: Stacked top quarter could be seeds graveyard
The Toronto Masters has no soft paths to glory.
-
WTA TourCiti Open: Emma Raducanu falls to Liudmila Samsonova
Fellow Brit Dan Evans also went down in Washington.
-
WTA TourExclusive – Former British No 1 with an upbeat verdict on Emma Raducanu
Durie has backed the young Brit to find her form if she can steer clear of injuries.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – Former British No 1 on whether Novak Djokovic should play at the US Open
Jo Durie believes it will be a ‘real shame’ if Novak Djokovic cannot play at the US Open.
-
WTA TourNaomi Osaka lauds Coco Gauff as a star on and off the court
Coco Gauff is already a big star according to Naomi Osaka.