Australian Open chief 'confident' Covid-hit Nadal will play

Spanish star Nadal said on Monday that he tested positive recently and was experiencing 'some unpleasant moments'

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said on Wednesday he was confident that Rafael Nadal will play in Melbourne despite testing positive for Covid-19, as fresh doubts emerged over Novak Djokovic.

Spanish star Nadal said on Monday that he tested positive recently and was experiencing ‘some unpleasant moments’.

While the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he was examining all his playing commitments, Tiley believes Nadal will be sufficiently recovered to chase his second Australian Open title in January.

“I’m confident Rafa will be here,” the tournament director told reporters in Melbourne.

“Players that are testing positive now will complete a period of time until they are no longer infectious and they’ll be fine.”

World number one Djokovic, who has won nine of his 20 Grand Slams at Melbourne Park, remains in serious doubt over his refusal to confirm if he has been vaccinated.

The 34-year-old has been named on the tournament entry list but his father Srdjan reportedly said his participation is still not guaranteed.

Tiley said “a small percentage” of unvaccinated players and staff would be granted medical exemptions at the Australian Open, but their identity was protected by strict privacy protocols.

He was not aware of any players informing organisers they had an exemption.

“If you’re going to test positive and you want to play the Australian Open, your timing would be now,” he said.