Rafael Nadal tests positive for Covid-19 after returning from Abu Dhabi

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Rafael Nadal in action on the ATP Tour

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he’s tested positive for Covid-19 on a PCR test on his return to Spain from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner played in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship last week in the UAE, his first tournament in four months after recovering from a foot injury.

Nadal had also spent two days in Kuwait before the competition for the opening of his new Rafa Nadal Academy.

The world No 6 confirmed the news on his Twitter account, he said: “Hi all, I wanted to announce that on my return home after playing the Abu Dhabi tournament, I have tested positive for Covid in the PCR test that was performed on me when I arrived in Spain.

“I am having some unpleasant moments but I hope that I will improve little by little.

“I am now homebound and have reported the result to those who have been in contact with me.”

The 13-time French Open winner was already questioning whether he was ready to play in the Australian Open after losing two matches at the exhibition event but his positive result could mean he has to miss out on the first major competition of the season.

Designated chartered flights for the tournament are due to leave for Australia on December 27 but Nadal isn’t panicking and has said he is going to consider his options.

“As a consequence of the situation, I have to have total flexibility with my calendar and I will analyse my options depending on my evolution,” the 35-year-old explained.

“I will keep you informed of any decisions about my future tournaments!”

Nadal has only just returned from injury so maybe being forced to miss out on the Australian Open wouldn’t be such a bad thing as it could aid his recovery and ultimately help his career more than taking part in the Grand Slam.

 

Rafael Nadal

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