Rafael Nadal pulls out of ATP Cup tie with stiff back

World No 2 Rafael Nadal pulled out of Spain’s opening ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday, complaining of a stiff lower back.

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The 20-time Grand Slam champion was due to take the court against Australia’s top-ranked player Alex De Minaur, but opted to rest instead as he prepares for the Australian Open next week.

“Hi all, we have decided with Team Spain and my team, to not play today the first match of the ATP Cup here in Melbourne since I have a stiff low back,” he tweeted. 

Rafael Nadal added that he hoped to have recovered by Thursday, when Spain meet Greece.

Spanish No 2 Roberto Bautista Agut will now face de Minaur, while John Millman takes on Pablo Carreno Busta in the opening rubber.

Nadal, who is aiming for a record-breaking 21st Slam title in Melbourne, moving him past the injured Roger Federer, played an exhibition in Adelaide on Friday, beating Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-4.

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Hi all, we have decided with #TeamSpain and my team, to not play today the first match of the @ATPCup here in #Melbourne since I have a stiff low back. Hopefully I’ll be better for Thursday. We have a strong team, all the to @pablocarreno91 @BautistaAgut & @M_Granollers #vamos 🇪🇸

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 2, 2021