Rafael Nadal pulls out on eve of Brisbane International for second year

He may have pulled the plug on his Brisbane International campaign for the second straight year because of injury but Rafael Nadal won’t be lost entirely to Queensland fans.

Rafael Nadal is set to play his first tour match in four months. Picture: AAP

Paying Queensland tennis fans will understand Rafael Nadal’s explanation for his withdrawal from the Brisbane International, tournament director Cameron Pearson says.

Nadal said on Wednesday that a “slight thigh strain’’ would have jeopardised his chance to play the Australian Open, which starts on Monday week, had he not pulled out of the Brisbane International for a second consecutive summer.

Patrons at the Queensland Tennis Centre who bought tickets to the tournament will have the unusual circumstance that the top seed who ruled himself unfit to play will have daily practice sessions until Saturday on a backcourt.

“I’m disappointed for the fans and I know Rafa is disappointed for the fans,’’ Pearson said.

Rafael Nadal is set to play his first tour match in four months. Picture: AAP

“He wanted to go against the medical advice but the medical advice prevailed in this instance.

“I think they want to see players in the tournament who are fit. Injuries are a part of the sport.

“He’s practice fit, but there’s a big difference between being on the practice court and being in a match. He risks longer term damage and being out for an extended (period if he played matches). No one wants to see that.

Rafael Nadal has along history of injuries. Picture: AFP

Rafael Nadal receives treatment at last year’s Australian Open. Picture: Getty

“He’s made it clear he wants to stay here and practice and the fans can get a glimpse of him on the practice court.’’

Nadal, who has played one exhibition match since September due to knee and ankle problems, said he was confident he would be 100 per fit to play the Australian Open and intended to front for a modified scores event in Sydney on Monday.

Pearson said Nadal had requested a Thursday start to give himself every opportunity to play in Brisbane a second time.

“It’s well documented Rafa’s had injuries. He does everything in his power to be on the court,’’ he said.

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