Tennis: Virus delays Nadal's comeback

A stomach virus has forced Rafael Nadal to withdraw from this week's exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

The 26-year-old Spaniard, 13/2 with bet365 to win next month's Australian Open, has not played for six months because of a knee injury. The former world number one, who has won 11 Grand Slam events, was beaten in the second round at Wimbledon before being forced to pull out of both London 2012 and the US Open because of the problem. "I am very disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year in Abu Dhabi," said Nadal. "My rehab has gone well, my knee feels good and I was looking forward to competing. Unfortunately doctors have informed me that my body needs to rest in order to fight this stomach virus. "I would like to say sorry to all my fans in the United Arab Emirates and around the world, but I hope to play and win in Abu Dhabi again next year." Novak Djokovic, 5/4 to win the Australian Open, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Janko Tipsarevic and Tomas Berdych are all scheduled to play in Abu Dhabi.

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