SA Footy

RAFAEL Nadal, one of the biggest drawcards of the Australian Open each summer, has withdrawn from next month's tournament because he cannot train hard due to a stomach virus.

The Spanish champion has not played since his second round loss at Wimbledon in June because of knee tendonitis that forced surgery.

But just as the knee was strong enough to take the pounding needed on the blue Plexicushion courts of Melbourne Park, Nadal contracted a serious virus.

It floored him with fever and aches and he's been unable to keep up the intensity necessary in training. Last week he withdrew from an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi and his plans to play an ATP tournament next week in Doha had a big question mark around them.

But the news came out today that Nadal will not be fit enough to tackle seven rounds of a grand slam - the number needed to reach the final.

He has been a regular fixture in Melbourne - he made the quarter-finals at least for the last six years in a row; was champion in 2009 after beating Roger Federer and runner-up last January to Novak Djokovik in a five-hour classic.

“I am sorry and very sad to announce that I will not play in the Australian Open,” Nadal said in a statement. “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.

Jim05 wrote:Unfortunately Rafa's body is stuffed and the end is almost near for him.

Sky Pilot wrote:Tomic - the bad boy of Australian tennis - is poised to become the new hero and at 19 he will generate a huge following if he keeps winning and keeps his nose clean. Australian tennis is in a slump on the world stage and Tomic could lead the revival. All power to him

Sky Pilot wrote:Tomic - the bad boy of Australian tennis - is poised to become the new hero and at 19 he will generate a huge following if he keeps winning and keeps his nose clean. Australian tennis is in a slump on the world stage and Tomic could lead the revival. All power to him

Jim05 wrote:

Sky Pilot wrote:Tomic - the bad boy of Australian tennis - is poised to become the new hero and at 19 he will generate a huge following if he keeps winning and keeps his nose clean. Australian tennis is in a slump on the world stage and Tomic could lead the revival. All power to him

He beat the Djok in an exhibition match, wouldnt get too excited just yet.
Has the potential but reminds me a lot of the Scud

Brodlach wrote:I think it is funny that people say he is acting like a knob....he has been acting like most teenagers/early 20's that I know but it gets reported in the media. I reckon everyone of us would have been the same at that age with $$$$$ in the bank. I understand that most young lads that are sportsmen dont act like that but some do. Many dont get reported in the media because they are in team sports. He is arrogant but so have many of the past greats of tennis.

pafc1870 wrote:

Brodlach wrote:I think it is funny that people say he is acting like a knob....he has been acting like most teenagers/early 20's that I know but it gets reported in the media. I reckon everyone of us would have been the same at that age with $$$$$ in the bank. I understand that most young lads that are sportsmen dont act like that but some do. Many dont get reported in the media because they are in team sports. He is arrogant but so have many of the past greats of tennis.

arrogance is fine, but his poor attitude to training and preparation, and regularly giving up in games are the things that need to change