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Rafael Nadal reveals injury update, plans for Australia and early 2018

By Harry Floyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his Singles match against David Goffin of Belgium during day two of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his Singles match against David Goffin of Belgium during day two of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal ends 2017 as the year-end No. 1 in men’s singles tennis. Now, the tennis superstar is looking to kick off 2018 healthy and ready for Australia.

Rafael Nadal hopes to play an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi later this month.

The year-end No. 1 ended his 2017 ATP World Tour after one match at the ATP Finals in London. After falling to Belgian David Goffin, Nadal withdrew from the end of year event due to a knee injury he had been struggling with.

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The Spanish superstar is already looking to be back on the court by the end of December. Fans and players alike are anxious to see how he fares at the exhibition in Abu Dhabi. As the Australian Open is less than two months away, Nadal aims to be in top shape by January.

Rafael Nadal is the 2009 champion at the Australian Open.

As the current world No. 1 in men’s singles tennis, Nadal remains slightly ahead of Swiss great Roger Federer. Both players went toe to toe on the 2017 ATP World Tour and come into the new year as the players to beat.

Several other top players such as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, and Stan Wawrinka are also recovering from lingering injuries. Their returns to the 2018 ATP World Tour will challenge Nadal’s chances at a Grand Slam title in Australia. Djokovic and Federer have largely dominated play at Melbourne Park throughout the past decade. A healthy Nadal, however, must be considered one of the favorites at any tournament in January.

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Rafael Nadal enjoyed success on the 2017 ATP World Tour. While he finished runner-up to Federer at the 2017 Australian Open, the Spanish superstar will look to avenge his second place finish next month. Play at Melbourne Park will feature the best in both men’s and women’s tennis.

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All eyes are on Nadal and other top players in men’s singles tennis right now. The offseason is rapidly coming to a close and early 2018 play will be here before we know. Nadal and Federer should continue their rivalry in the new year as they also take on young up and comers and veteran stars alike. Check back for updates on Nadal’s status during the next month and all other tennis news heading into the 2018 ATP World Tour.

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