Rafael Nadal announced on social media Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation at his home. Nadal told reporters that he “can’t guarantee” his participation in the 2022 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament on the annual tennis calendar. The 35-year-old Nadal said he tested negative while in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, with his most-recent negative result coming Friday.
Nadal wrote on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: “I wanted to announce that on my return home after playing the Abu Dhabi tournament, I have tested positive for COVID in the PCR test that has been performed on me when I arrived in Spain.” He added:“I am having some unpleasant moments, but I hope that I will improve little by little. I am now homebound and have reported the result to those who have been in contact with me. As a result of the situation I have to have total flexibility with my calendar and I will analyze my options depending on my evolution. I will keep you informed of any decisions about my future tournaments.”
Nadal is the latest top men’s player to cast doubt on his participation in the Australian Open. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has not said if he will compete, but was on the tournament’s official entry list. No. 16 Roger Federer of Switzerland and American Serena Williams, the No. 41 player in the WTA rankings, will not compete in the Australian Open.
The tournament will be held Jan. 17 to 30 in Melbourne.
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