The presence of tennis world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the upcoming Buenos Aires Open is in doubt, due to a back injury suffered by the Spaniard during the Australian Open final against Stanislas Wawrinka.
Although tests carried out today were satisfactory, showing a decent progress after the strain, a final decision will be made on Thursday regarding the player’s fitness.
Nadal returned today to Mallorca after tests carried out by Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, chief doctor of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation.
In a statement, the medic revealed that Nadal «has started his work in the gym and depending on the next few days, it will be decided when he will be ready to re-enter competitive play.»
Nadal also refused to confirm if he would be present at the Buenos Aires Open, which will take place at the Lawn Tennis club between Feburary 8 and 16.
«I am ok. Today I went through another check-up and I have been using the same treatment since returning from Melbourne. I have still not touched the track or done any type of exercises,» he explained.
«On Thursday and Friday I will train and it depends on how we see progress, we will then decide if we can start in Buenos Aires or if we will have to wait for the next one.»
Source: Buenos Aires Herald