Nadal set to miss yet another Grand Slam

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will miss the Australian Open next month. The Spaniard has had the year from hell, since his second-round shock defeat to Lucas Rosol in Wimbledon over six months ago.

Nadal’s knee injury has kept him out of the US Open in Flushing Meadows as well as the ATP Masters in Toronto, meetings in Cincinnati, Paris, and the pivotal end of the season battle in London this November. Nadal has been working hard all year with his uncle and coach Toni to get back to full fitness, but this time it was a stomach virus that added to a disappointing season.

“I am sorry and very sad to announce that I will not play in the Australian Open,” read the statement made by the 26-year-old on the tournament’s official website. “A stomach virus has left me unable to get ready in time to tackle the rigours of a grand slam.

“Because of the virus, I have been unable to get the match practice. You need your body to be at its best for the Australian Open. It was a difficult decision and I am extremely disappointed to be missing such a great event,” continued Nadal.

Rafael Nadal is currently ranked as world number four, however the lack of competitive tennis could easily see the seven times French Open champion slip out of the top ten with the likes of Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Thomas Berdych on his heels.

Nevertheless, Nadal is positive about his comeback and stated that he was focusing hard “on desperately trying to get back on the tour”. The eleven times grand slam champion is now aiming for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel event which will take place in Acapulco starting on 25^th February.

Umida Ibrahimova, Sports correspondent