Nadal forced out of Aussie Open

Rafael Nadal will miss next month’s Australian Open due to a stomach virus as his long-awaited return was put on hold again yesterday.

The world number four missed the second half of last season with a knee injury, but had hoped to be ready in time for the season-opening grand slam in Melbourne.

That bid has been scuppered, however, by a virus that had initially forced his withdrawal from this week’s exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.