Rafael Nadal OUT of Brisbane International: Major injury concern for Australian Open
RAFAEL NADAL has withdrawn from the Brisbane International and is a major injury concern for the Australian Open.
Nadal was expected to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round in Brisbane today.
But the Spaniard has revealed he is suffering from a thigh strain that could affect his Australian Open hopes.
"I did at MRI and it shows a small straining on my left thigh,” he said.
“I tried to play, I wanted to play, but recommendations from the doctors (told me otherwise)"
Rafael Nadal injury Brisbane International Australian Open
He added: “When you compete on the muscle it can get worse.
"I feel better than I did four days ago.
“It's a risk to damage my body for a month if I play here.”
Rafael Nadal has only just returned from surgery he had on his ankle last autumn.
The Spaniard missed the ATP World Tour Finals in London in order to go through the procedure.
Nadal’s absence means Taro Daniel is expected to take his place against Tsonga.
The Australian Open starts on January 14.
Meanwhile, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal insisted before today’s revelation that the 32-year-old is progressing in his recovery.
Rafael Nadal returns to training after injury
“Rafa trained for two hours and a half the other day and he is on a good way,” he told Tennis World USA.
“He is with willing to do a good season.
“The truth is that I keep doing what satisfies me the most, which is training.
“I feel very grateful for what I lived with Rafa, but now I have a lot of excitement trying to coach the kids that come to my academy, bringing my acknowledge to help them.
“I was telling Rafa to hit every ball the best he could.”