Rafael Nadal skips Friday's training session in Melbourne to treat injured back

While Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem had to battle for five sets at the Australian Open on Friday, Rafael Nadal decided to skip the practice session ahead of his third-round clash.

Nadal injured his back in Adelaide during his quarantine, coming to Melbourne with many concerns ahead of the first-round clash with Laslo Djere. Deciding to give his best, Nadal passed both the Serb and Michael Mmoh in the second round without issues, serving and returning well and playing aggressive tennis to control the scoreboard and move into the last 32 in under four hours.

"I had tough 15 days due to those back issues, and I needed to survive today. I tried to play my best tennis and stay focused, which I did. I think I played a good match today; I had to win in straight sets, and I achieved that. I'm here to give my best, as always, I can't say much more, as I have to go day by day," Rafael Nadal said.