SPANISH tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is expected to play in the Australian Open next month, said he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is isolating.

He said he took the test when he returned to Spain from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he took part in an exhibition tournament last week.

“I am going through some unpleasant moments, but I trust that I will improve little by little. I am confined at home and have informed the people who have been in contact with me,” he wrote on Twitter.

“As a consequence of the situation, I have to have total flexibility with my calendar and will analyse my options depending on my evolution.

“I will keep you informed of any decision about my future tournaments.”

The 20-time major champion had been due to fly to Melbourne later this month to compete in an ATP event ahead of the Australian Open, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 17.

The 35-year-old has struggled with a foot injury for the past six months – forcing him to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Nadal lost to another former world No. 1 Andy Murray in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi on Friday, his first match since August, and then lost to Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov of Canada on Saturday.

It was the first time he was seen in a match since a defeat to Lloyd Harris at the Citi Open in Washington in early August.

Despite missing almost half the season, he ranked No. 6 in the world this year, after picking up two titles in Barcelona and Rome and making the semi-finals at the French Open and quarters at the Australian Open.

During the tournament on Friday, Nadal was photographed talking to Spain’s former king Juan Carlos I without a face mask.

The 83-year-old made a rare public appearance since he went into exile in the UAE in August last year, following graft allegations.

Nadal said he is regularly tested in Abu Dhabi, and the results are always negative. His last test there was on Friday, and he received the results on Saturday. – AFP, December 20, 2021.