• ATP Tour

Nadal to play through the pain at Australian Open

ESPN staff
December 29, 2011
Rafael Nadal is struggling with a shoulder injury © Getty Images
Enlarge

Rafael Nadal will play the Australian Open despite a shoulder injury but has confirmed he will take a month off after the first grand slam of the year.

The world No. 2, who is playing in the World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi this week, revealed he has been struggling with the problem since the end of last season.

After attempting to regain the title he last won in 2009, Nadal will take a break from the ATP Tour in order to recover and intends to return to action at Indian Wells in March.

"I am still not 100 per cent," Nadal said. "I had a problem before London with my shoulder and I had to stop for about 10 days before the [ATP World Tour] finals.

"It felt better again but resurfaced, I couldn't practise. I have to stop after Australia and have a chance to practise, to prepare for the rest of the season.

"The most important part of the season starts with Indian Wells (in March) and ends with Wimbledon, and this year it ends with the Olympics."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices