Rafael Nadal pulls out of Brisbane International

ATP World Number One Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not partake in the 2018 Brisbane International, but remains confident of being fit for the Australian Open which begins on January 15.

The 31-year-old claims that he is still not ready after a “long season” this year having already pulled out of his planned season opener at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, which begins today.

However, the Mallorca-born star, who also pulled out of the final ATP finals in November with a knee injury, is continuing with his preparations in a bid to be fit for the Australian Open.

The Spaniard tweeted: “I am sorry to announce I won’t be coming to Brisbane this year.

“My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year’s long season and the late start of my preparation. 

“I had a great time there and it was a great start to the month I spent in Australia.”

I am sorry to announce I won’t be coming to Brisbane this year. My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year’s long season and the late start of my preparation.
I had a great time there and it was a great start to the month I spent in Australia

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 27, 2017

“I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4^th in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open,” he added.

Nadal has suffered a number of high-profile injuries of the course of his career but enjoyed a stellar comeback season this year, winning both the French and US Opens, as well as finishing the year as ATP World Number One.