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Rafael Nadal withdraws from Brisbane due to injury

By Harry Floyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts 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 Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts 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 Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal appears to be out of the Brisbane International next month. The world No. 1 took to social media to announce that he is not ready for action.

Rafael Nadal announces via social media that he will miss play in Brisbane.

The Brisbane International is a standard warmup tournament for the Australian Open and it appears as though the world No. 1 is not yet ready to compete. Nadal is the 2017 runner-up at Melbourne Park and his absence in Brisbane is significant.

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Nadal lost to Swiss great Roger Federer in the finals at the 2017 Australian Open. The top ranked player was forced to withdraw from the ATP Finals in London after his opening round loss to David Goffin.

Rafael Nadal apologized to fans via Twitter on Wednesday that he will not be in Brisbane.

The absence of Nadal at Brisbane brings into question whether or not the world No. 1 will be ready for the first Grand Slam of the calendar year. If he is not ready to go for play at Melbourne Park, Federer will remain the clearcut favorite at the Australian Open.

Nadal’s withdrawal raises more conversation about several other top players in men’s singles tennis. Players such as Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic and former world No. 1 Andy Murray are also planning returns from injury. Djokovic is a six-time champion at the Australian Open. Murray, who is yet to win the Grand Slam event, has appeared in several finals at the major tournament. If they are healthy enough to compete, they ought to be considered contenders for the title.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Rafael Nadal announces his withdrawal from the Brisbane International on Wednesday. With the Australian Open under one month away, it is a troubling sign to see the world No. 1 saying that he is not ready to compete at any tournament. Nadal saw a career year last season on the ATP World Tour. If he is not healthy enough to compete at a high level, players such as Federer could overtake the top ranking in men’s singles tennis. Action at Melbourne Park is right around the corner and several players are looking to bounce back on the 2018 ATP World Tour. Stay tuned to see how Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, and others fare at the upcoming Grand Slam event. Check back for updates on all of the action in men’s singles tennis.

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