World number one Rafael Nadal has pulled out from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, the season-opening exhibition event in Abu Dhabi next week, due to lingering fitness concerns.
The latest news casts some serious doubt as to whether the 31-year-old Spaniard will be ready to play some competitive tennis by the start of the year at the Brisbane international, reports News.com.au.
The Spaniard will be replaced by compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut for the six-man event.
Last month, Nadal had announced the withdrawal from the ATP finals citing a knee injury after he was defeated by Belgium's first-time qualifier David Goffin in the opening match.
The injury had also forced him out of Paris Masters in November.
Nadal had won the French Open and the US Open this year while returning to the top of the rankings for the first time since June 2014.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app