Rafael Nadal in action at the Monte Carlo Masters 2021 (Imago)
Rafael Nadal has pulled out of ATP Cup ahead of Australian Open 2022
What comes as a setback to team Spain – the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers are all going to miss the 2022 ATP Cup. ATP Cup 2022 was the inaugural tournament for the new year by Nadal and Spain fans have been left heartbroken.
The third edition of the ATP Cup is scheduled to be held between 1-9 January. In the absence of Nadal and Co., Team Spain will be led by Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta.
Nadal has been recovering from injury off late and has not featured in any competition since August. He did not feature at the US Open as well. However, last month he said that he is all set to take part in Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi which begins on 16 December.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who was recently tested positive for Covid-19 will be looking to take a longer break from tennis ahead of the Australian Open next year. He along with Nadal was not even part of team Spain in the ongoing Davis Cup.
The former World No.1, has already stated that he is going to take part in the first Grand Slam of the year Australian Open. However, he has now decided to pull out of the ATP Cup – then he has to play on some ATP event ahead of the Grand Slam to prepare for himself for Melbourne Park.
With the participation of nine-time champion Novak Djokovic still up in the air, it could present a unique opportunity for Nadal to take the lead in the race of Grand Slams’ triumph.
The Spaniard, Roger Federer, and Djokovic all are tied at 20 Slams each. Federer has already decided to give the tournament a skip as he has still not recovered from his knee injury – meanwhile, Djokovic’s participation is in doubt because he has still not taken Covid-19 jab.
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