Rafael Nadal tested positive for COVID-19, putting more doubt into his return date.
Nadal hasn’t played since many months, and he was finally set to make his return at the upcoming Australian Open tournament. However, he was infected by the virus on Monday, sidelining him for more time.
The former World No. 1 played an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week. Upon returning from the UAE, he took a COVID-19 test, and unfortunately, the result was not what his fans wanted to hear.
Nadal revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and revealed that he would be out for more time isolating.
“I am going through some unpleasant moments, but I trust that I will improve little by little,” he wrote on his official Twitter account.
“I am now confined at home and have informed the people who had been in contact with me. As a consequence of the situation, I have to have total flexibility with my calendar and I will analyse my options depending on my evolution.
“I will keep you informed of any decisions about my future tournaments.”
Hola a todos. Quería anunciaros que en mi regreso a casa tras disputar el torneo de Abu Dhabi, he dado positivo por COVID en la prueba PCR que se me ha realizado al llegar a España.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 20, 2021
Setbacks
The 35-year-old Spaniard was set to fly to Melbourne later this month. He was due to compete in an ATP event ahead of the Australian Open, which will be held at Melbourne Park on January 17.
Nadal will be hoping to shake off the last bit of his foot injury and now COVID-19 to make it in time for the tournament. He has been out of action for the last six months, and has missed both Wimbledons.
He will be looking to return with a bang and make a statement in Australia. It is a race against time for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
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