It’s official. World number four Rafael Nadal won’t be participating at the 2013 Australian Open where he’s a defending finalist.
The reason behind the withdrawal was not the knee injury that has plagued him since Wimbledon 2012, he explained that it was a stomach virus that led him and his team to decide that it’s not yet the right time to make a comeback, especially at a Grand Slam event.
“I am sorry and very sad to announce that I will not play in the Australian Open. My knee is coming along okay, but a stomach virus has left me unable to get ready in time to tackle the rigours of a Grand Slam,” Nadal said.
“Because of the virus, I have been unable to get any match practice and simply would not be doing myself or my friends in Australia justice if I went down there so unprepared. You need your body to be at its best for the Australian Open,” the Spanish tennis superstar added.
The 2009 Australian Open champion said that he loves competing in Melbourne and missing such an important event is extremely disappointing.
“It was a difficult decision and I am extremely disappointed to be missing such a great event. I love coming to Melbourne and playing on Rod Laver Arena before the Australian crowds. It brings out the best in me. It hurts to have to wait another 12 months before I get another chance. In the meantime, the focus is now on desperately trying to get back on the tour,” Nadal said.
The former top-ranked player was originally scheduled to make a comeback at an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi late in December 2012 and at the Qatar Open during the first week of January. He also pulled out of both events.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said:
“It is completely understandable and we really feel disappointed for him.”
“But without any match practice and without sufficient lead up time on the practice court, it makes it virtually impossible for him to get his body ready.
“We just hope he gets better quickly and we see him back on the tour as soon as possible. Tennis fans across the world have been missing him. Our Australian Open staff will very much miss him and his team as he is not only a great player, but also a great guy with good people around him,”explained Tiley who has been in regular contact with the Nadal camp in recent weeks.”
“We wish Rafa all the best. I am confident we will see him back on the tour soon and back in Australia for 2014, no doubt as one of the contenders for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.”
