Rafael Nadal opens up about back injury ahead of Australian Open

World no. 2 and the 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal is not at 100% ahead of the season's first Major that starts on Monday in Melbourne, struggling with a back injury.

Nadal has been injured for 15 days, feeling the first issues in Adelaide and skipping all three ATP Cup encounters this week. Rafa is doing everything to overcome the injury, but he should feel the pain by Tuesday and the first-round clash against Laslo Djere. Seeking the 21st Major title at the Australian Open, Nadal doesn't consider withdrawal, feeling eager to give his best and trying to improve his condition over the upcoming days.

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"For the last 15 days, I have indeed been suffering with my back. I'm doing everything possible to get ready for the Australian Open. I have another day off on Monday before my first match on Tuesday; I'm not thinking about withdrawing. In the beginning, the muscle was just a little bit tired, but I feel now a bit more stiff than usual. The muscle is still tight, so it is difficult to play with the freedom of movement.

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We are doing everything. My physio is here; the doctors are around me; everybody helps me in all possible ways. I hope to be ready; I know sometimes things change quickly. I'm not a big fan of finding excuses.

When things happen, you need to find a way to get through. The only thing that I can do is stay positive, work on recovery and do all the things I can. Then I hope the situation will improve. It's never an ideal situation to kick off the action with problems, especially with the best-of-five sets format," Rafael Nadal said.