2022 Australian Open: Rafael Nadal’s training footage offers huge clue after recovering from COVID-19

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Rafael Nadal appears ready for the Australian Open as images emerged from a secret fitness test, less than two weeks after an “unpleasant” battle with COVID-19.

The world No.3 had doubts about playing in Melbourne after recently coming back from a four-month layoff with a foot injury.

An official return was even less certain when Nadal tested positive for COVID but – as you can watch in the video above – the 35-year-old has prepared for the grand slam.

Nadal spent time at his academy‘s training ground on Wednesday and will be flying to Australia on Thursday.

He is participating in an ATP 250 preparatory tournament in Melbourne from January 4.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion had been on the fence for the Australian Open, saying he had to assess his fitness after two games at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

“I cannot guarantee Australia 100% because I have to go home and see how the body reacts after these days,” Nadal told reporters on December 18.

“I have time to make a decision. At this point in my career, I need to go from day to day, study every movement well.

Rafael Nadal returned to the pitch this month, losing to Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi in his first game since August. Credit: PAA

“I was able to show a competitive level against good players even without being in perfect condition. There are things to improve on, but looking at it from a perspective this tournament has been positive.

“The main goal is to be healthy enough to do the things I need to do and aspire to the goals that I have always had.”

He seemed even less likely to travel to Melbourne as one of seven players caught in a COVID outbreak after the Abu Dhabi tournament.

“I am going through some bad times but I hope I will improve little by little,” Nadal said on December 20.

“As a result of the situation, I must have complete flexibility with my schedule and will analyze my options.”

Novak Djokovic
It is still unclear whether Novak Djokovic will defend his Australian Open singles title. Credit: EPA

Nadal’s Australian Open appearance will be a significant boost to the tournament, with Roger Federer out due to injury and Novak Djokovic’s availability is still unclear on the COVID vaccine mandate .

Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the ATP Cup in Sydney but has not clarified his eligibility for the grand slam.

Other players facing a late battle to prove their fitness after COVID quarantine include world No.5 Andrey Rublev and world No.14 Denis Shapovalov.

French veteran Benoit Paire announced on Wednesday that he had tested positive “for the 250th time”.

“I’ve found my spot for the next 10 days,” the 32-year-old wrote on Instagram on Thursday, checking in to “the bottom.”

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