Rafael Nadal trains with Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne

The 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal couldn't lead Spain at this week's ATP Cup, withdrawing from all three ties due to a minor back injury and entering the Australian Open with no official matches.

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The good news is that the injury is not serious, with Nadal hitting the practice court on Saturday with the young Spanish gun Carlos Alcaraz. The 2009 Australian Open champion will kick off the campaign on Tuesday against Laslo Djere, enjoying a favorable draw in an opening couple of rounds and hoping to get back at 100% before the more challenging encounters.

Nadal served a two-week quarantine in Adelaide and played a match against Dominic Thiem before heading to Melbourne, beating the Austrian 7-5, 6-4 following an excellent performance. Rafa completed a couple of practice sessions before experiencing that back injury, skipping the first ATP Cup tie against Australia and staying away from the following two versus Greece and Italy.

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Vamos! 🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal and 🇪🇸 @alcarazcarlos03 warming up ahead of #AO2021 🎥 @alcarazcarlos03 Instagram

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