In the first big news for the 2013 season, Nadal has just announced that he is withdrawing from the Australian Open.

Nadal was scheduled to play Abu Dhabi, an exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, which is ongoing.  However, due to a stomach virus, he withdrew from that.  He has chosen, on doctor’s advice, not to play the Australian Open.  This will be his third consecutive Slam where he has not played.  He hopes to return to play in Acapulco, the first time he’s played there in some number of years.  Nadal had adjusted his schedule so he could play clay events after the Australian Open instead of events like Dubai, on hard courts.  Given his knee issues, he feels more play on clay would be better for him.

Nadal claims his rehabilitation is proceeding well.  He has not played since losing to Lukas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon.  With this withdrawal, his rank will slip, and Ferrer should become number 4 in the world.