ATP Cup tennis 2021 - Rafael Nadal continues to struggle with back injury as Australian Open looms

There are real concerns over Rafael Nadal's participation at the 2021 Australian Open as he looks set to pull out of a second ATP Cup tie due to a problematic back. The Grand Slam is scheduled to start next week and Nadal has had minimum practise time ahead of trying to win in Melbourne for the first time since 2009.

Rafael Nadal continues to be plagued by a back injury as doubts grow about his participation at the Australian Open.

The Spaniard was set to pull out of another match at the ATP Cup before organisers wiped Thursday’s schedule as a precaution after a positive coronavirus test at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The world number two missed Spain’s 3-0 victory over Australia on Tuesday and Eurosport Spain reported he would also miss the tie with Greece, originally slated for Thursday.

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Nadal is quoted as saying “I don’t feel bad, bad, but I think I’m not well enough to play.”

Rafa Nadal, junto a sus compañeros viendo la ATP Cup

Image credit: TNT Sports

The latest news will raise real questions over his participation at the Australian Open, which is scheduled to begin next week.

Nadal, who hasn’t won the Grand Slam since 2009, is seen as some way off the levels of current world number Novak Djokovic with Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem also ahead of the Spaniard according to bookmakers.

Nadal, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, has been dogged by back injuries throughout his career.

NEW QUARANTINE CHAOS

Approximately 600 players, staff and officials have been forced into isolation in Melbourne after a positive test was returned at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The hotel was home to various people who are connected to the Australian Open - the person who tested positive was one of the support staff helping during quarantine.

The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the news and said that everyone in the hotel would have to isolate until returning a negative test.

It was later confirmed that play on Thursday at warm-up events at Melbourne Park would not take place.

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