USA Today via Reuters
Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a play against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a play against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal revealed an unfortunate update today. The 35-year-old player has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and will be out of action for a few weeks.
The timing of this incident makes things uncertain for Rafa as the Australian Open 2022 will be beginning in less than a month. Also if Nadal recovers before that, it will be difficult for him to create an impact as he would not have enough time to prepare himself for the first Grand Slam event of the season.
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Interesting to see what happens with Rafael Nadal in the coming days
If the 20-time Grand Slam champion feels that he would not be able to create an impact in Melbourne, there would be a possibility of him skipping the Australian Open and instead focusing on the clay season with an eye on the French Open.
Hola a todos. Quería anunciaros que en mi regreso a casa tras disputar el torneo de Abu Dhabi, he dado positivo por COVID en la prueba PCR que se me ha realizado al llegar a España.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 20, 2021
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It is no secret that the Spaniard prefers competing on the clay as his 13 Roland Garros titles speak for themselves. As Nadal would be turning 36 years of age this year, he would prefer to pick tournaments where he could do real damage to the rest of the guys on the Tour.
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain with his coach Carlos Moya as he trains in preparation for the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 29th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Besides, the tennis superstar made his return to Abu Dhabi after an injury. Therefore, more the reason for him to be cautious. It will be interesting to see what will unfold in the next coming days with regard to his fitness levels.
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Speaking on the current season, Rafa competed only in the Australian Open and the French Open as far as the Grand Slam events are concerned. Sadly, the foot injury he suffered in the French capital is what kept him out of action for so long. Nonetheless, we wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him compete soon again on the Tour.
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