The Australia Open is a tennis tournament held every year at the end of the month of January. It is held in Melbourne, Australia. It is the first event out of the four Grand Slam tennis events that are held annually. It precedes the French Open, Wimbledon, and even the US Open. The events held are featuring men's and women's singles; men's, women's, and mixed doubles; junior's championships; and wheelchair, legends, as well as the exhibition events.The 2020 Australian Open is a Grand Slam tennis tournament. It will start from 20th January 2020 till 2nd February 2020. The 2020 Australian Open is going to be the 108th edition of the Australian Open. The main sponsor of the tennis tournament even in previous years is Kia.Before the year 1988, the players used to play tennis on the grass courts. After since the game was played on two different types of hard court surfaces that were being used at the Melbourne Park. A green-colored Rebound Ace was used up to the year 2007 and ever since Blue Plexicushion is used. Also, this tournament is going to be the first edition that will be using GreenSet. GreenSet is a type of hard surface used in the courts. The Australian Open is going to be played on the hard courts. It will be played across a series of 25 courts, and the main show courts including Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena and the Margaret Court Arena. 1573 Arena that was earlier a "show court two" but has now been upgraded to the main show court.The Australian Open is the largest annual sporting event held in the Southern Hemisphere. In the year 2019, the grand slam event had been attended by more than 7 lakh people from all over the world. An interesting fact of the Tournament is that the names of the winners will be inscribed on the Trophy cups.The previous winners of the Tournament include the following: Naomi Osaka: The winner of the Women's singles in 2019 Novac Djokovic: The winner of the Men's singles in 2019 Nicolas Mahut: Part of the Men's doubles team who won in the year 2019 Pierre-Hugues Herbert: Part of the Men's doubles team who won in the year 2019 Samantha Stosur: Part of the Women's doubles team who won in the year 2019 Zhang Shuai: Part of the Women's doubles team who won in the year 2019 Barbora Krejíková: Part of the mixed doubles team who won in the year 2019 Rajeev Ram: Part of the mixed doubles team that won in the year 2019.The Australian Open is held at the Melbourne Park. It is located in the campus of the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct. As of now, the complex has three courts with a retractable roof, that makes it possible for the matches to continue during the conditions of rain or extreme heat. The Tennis tournaments can at times be completely unpredictable and unavoidable, hence the schedule may change accordingly.The Junior matches that will be held on the outside courts will start from Saturday 25 January. The Singles events quarterfinal matches are going to be scheduled on Tuesday 28 January and Wednesday 29 January 2020. Sony will be providing the live coverage of the Australian Open 2020 in both English and Hindi, with the OTT platform SonyLiv so as to live stream the action from all the 16 match courts in Melbourne, Australia where the tournament is taking place from 20th January till 2nd February 2020.The tickets of the 2020 Australian Open are available here: https://ausopen.com/ticketsRead More: Check the list of the Top Sporting events in the year 2020
MELBOURNE: The 14th American wrestler, Sophia Kenin, ranked first in the world and local hope Ashley Barty surprised her to reach her first grand slam final in the Australian Open on Thursday.Kenin will play either fourth seed in Romania, Simona Halep, or against Garbin Moguruza, who was not sown, in the final match on Saturday after his surprising victory 7-6 (6/8), 7-5."She is a very powerful player, she is really amazing. She realized that she really had to find a way to win," said Kenin, 21, who was born in Moscow and who sounded surprised soon after."I am unable to speak, and I honestly cannot believe this. I have dreamed of this moment since I was five years old.""I worked very hard to get here," added Kenin. "I really had to fight here. There is a reason why it is number one."Kenin, the last American to leave in Sweltering Melbourne, where the game was suspended on the outside court when temperatures reached 38 ° C (100.4 ° F), was the party popper once more.She had already finished the 15-year-old Coco Gauff novel race in the fourth round with an aggressive playing style that has become her trademark for the past two weeks.She was at it again when temperatures soared in the yard at pro-Barty Rod Laver ArenaBoth players retreated in the shade on the court whenever possible.Kenin, who made a breakthrough in 2019 and won his first three ATP Championships titles, was playing the first semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament, and this was the first time that Barthy had been in the last four in Melbourne.But if the locals hoped Kenin to be cowed by the occasion, her best-rated opponent, the French Open champion, was wrong.Barty and Kennin, dressed in identical green tops and blue skirts, went in the first set for the serve , although Australian felt more comfortable doing this.Once again, there was little between them in the playoff, until Barty launched a delightful two-point playground.But Barty, who once left tennis to play professional cricket, wasted both and was tied 6-6.Kenin, a proud American with a racket of stars and stripes, climbed 7-6up and ended the set in 59 minutes when Barty made an unintended mistake in the right-hand hit.Barty aiming to become the first Australian Open champion since Chris O'Neill in 1978, showed a strange flash of anger.The Australian collapsed early in the second set to fight the initiative, then kept service 3-1. Kenin's turned to show his frustration.But Barty wasted two more points and broke when she missed a routine forehand. Gasps and then a hush descended on Rod Laver Arena.After Barty stayed ahead in the championship from 5 to 6 years, she saved the first match point but folded under pressure when she planted a forehand long.Read More: Australian Open 2020: Australian Open Schedule, Score, Results
Djokovic, who recently won his eighth Australian Open title and led Serbia to the ATP Cup trophy last month, made his plea prior to starting this week as top seed at the Aviation Club.Novak Djokovic asked ATP and Davis Cup rivals on Sunday to unite for survival while preparing for the Dubai championship.Djokovic, who recently won the eighth Australian Open title and led Serbia to the ATP Cup last month, made his statement before he started this week as the number one seed at the Aviation Club.And the world said number one in the two competitions that are held less than two months at the end of one season and at the beginning of the next season and they think they should become "in my opinion, they must merge." Super Cup "."This is necessary because personally, it will be very difficult to play both competitions every year, so I have to choose," said the 32-year-old chairman of the ATP players council."I don't think this is a (sustainable) model for our tennis." Djokovic ditched important evidence that the Davis Cup, which eliminated local coordination and the classic visitor in favor of a final of 18 teams during a week in Madrid, needed most of the repair work."What I don't like about the Davis Cup is that you can no longer play at home anymore," he said. "The AFC Cup was like playing on our home ground for us (Serbia) because we got a lot of support in Australia." But Djokovic also warned that the ATP Cup, which will remain in Australia for the foreseeable future, has its own drawbacks."They (will be celebrated) for 10 years in Australia. It is really difficult to name the World Cup for these competitions because there is no" world "if you keep them in one place for 10 years."For 99 percent of countries, they will not have the possibility of many years of organizing an equalizer at home."Read More: Tennis news atp nick kyrgios injury woes continue at delray beach open 2020
The ATP confirmed on Thursday the updated schedule for the start of the new tennis season, which includes the postponement of the Australian Open, which will now start 3 weeks later than planned. The ATP has published the first seven weeks' matches during which the annual ATP 250 event in Maharashtra will not be held as scheduled.The Australian Open was due to start on January 18, but a 3-week delay will allow players to arrive in Melbourne and self-quarantine and prepare for the ATP 250 and ATP Cup events in the lead up to the start scheduled for January 8. February.The ATP season 2021 will begin with the Delray Beach Open, ATP 250 event and another hard court event licensed for one year in Antalya, Turkey from January 5-13. The event will then move to Doha, where the Australian Open qualifiers will be held. It was held from January 10 to 13 before players headed to Melbourne for quarantine.“The Australian Open Men's Qualifiers will be held from January 10-13 in Doha, and specific dates from January 15 to 31 will allow travel and a 14-day quarantine period for all players and support personnel to travel to Melbourne as per the requirements of Australian immigration and public health authorities.The ATP said: “The controlled quarantine period will allow players to prepare before the 12-team ATP Cup in Melbourne, which is being played alongside the international moved Adelaide, as well as the additional ATP 250 tournament, which is all being held. In Melbourne." Also Read: World TeamTennis to Allow up to 500 Fans at MatchesNovak Djokovic will start her title retention in Melbourne, while Sofia Kenin will also strive to defend her title. It's a big boost for Roger Federer, as the great Swiss expected a delay, considering he was racing against time to recover from knee problems.Australian Open authorities expect 25 to 30 percent of the usual crowds to attend the first major tournament of the season in Melbourne, but with the Covid-19 situation in the country under control, chances are it will be. Allow more viewers.Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that as many as 3 ATP 250 events did not occur in 2021 due to the pandemic. They include the ASB Classic (Auckland) and the New York Open, while the Tata Maharashtra Open (Pune) cannot be shown in its scheduled week in February.Updated ATP 2021 calendar - first 7 weeksDatesLocationTournament5-13 Jan.Delray BeachDelray Beach Open5-13 Jan.AntalyaAntalya Open10-13 Jan.DohaAustralian Open Qualifying31 Jan.- 6 FebMelbourneMelbourne 1 (Adelaide Relocation)31 Jan- 6 FebMelbourneMelbourne 21-5 Feb.MelbourneATP Cup8-21 Feb.MelbourneAustralian Open Also Read: Check out five significant types of swimming styles!
I'm not sure I can blame the Covid, but the Australia Open 2021 men's draw has been drastically cut this year.Australia Open 2021: Single champion to win $ 2,750,000 The men's singles champion's wallet is down 33% to $ 2,750,000 from $ 4,120,000 this year.The runner-up will come out next year with a cash prize check of $ 1,500,000, down 27% from 2,065,000 in 2020.Semi-finalists in Melbourne Park will receive a cash prize of $ 850,000, which is 18% less than the $ 1,040,000 guaranteed amount in this year's semifinals of Australia Open 2021.However, the prize money to reach the Australia Open 2021 quarter-finals remains the same this year at $ 525K.Australia Open 2021: Increase Payments to Reach Rounds 16, 32 and 64While the end of business payouts for this year's first Grand Slam tournament decreased, prize money to reach rounds 16, 32, and 64 increased by 7, 19%, and 17%, respectively.While those who qualify for the Round of 16 will receive $ 320,000 apiece, up from $ 300,000 this year, those who do not make it past the Round of 32 will receive $ 215,000 each, which is a marginal increase. $ 180,000 in 2020.Those who drop in the first round will also see an 11% salary increase, from $ 90K this year to $ 100,000.Australia Open 2021: Double Champions to take home $ 600,000The total of doubles business finale prizes also saw a decline, with tournament winners receiving $ 600,000, 21% less than $ 760,000 this year of Australia Open 2021.The second-place pair will get $ 340,000, down slightly from $ 380,000 in 2020.However, the prizes for the semi-finalists and quarter-finals are unchanged from this year, at $ 200,000 and $ 110,000, respectively.As with the men's singles draw, here too, the payouts of those who hit rounds 16, 32, and 64 saw a slight increase.Those who qualify for the fourth round will receive $ 65,000, up from 62,000 this year, while those who drop into the role of 32 will receive $ 45,000, a marginal increase from $ 38,000 this year.Australia Open 2021: The rating bag has been marginally raised from 2020Those who lose in the first round will also win higher bonuses of $ 30,000, up 20% on the $ 25,000 this year.The championship winner in the mixed doubles category will also receive a $ 150,000 cut from $ 190,000 this year. The runner-up will receive $ 85,000, down 15% from $ 100,000 this year of Australia Open 2021.However, the rating portfolio has increased marginally as of this year of Australia Open 2021.Also Read: Australian Open 2021 delayed, will be playing in Melbourne from February 8 to 21
The Australian Open 2021 organizers have to find new accommodations in quarantine for international players after apartment owners at the completed hotel in Melbourne threatened legal action.The Australian Open 2021 has been postponed for three weeks while plans are in place for quarantine arrangements.Australian tennis and government authorities have arranged for the players a mandatory 14-day quarantine service in the Westin Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open 2021 on February 8-21.The international players are expected to arrive in Melbourne from mid-January and will be allowed to train a maximum of 5 hours per day in Melbourne Park during the quarantine period.Look what was said at Australian Open 2021On Tuesday, the plan was scrapped after Westin apartment owners complained that they had not been properly consulted and would seek a court order against them.“After consultation between Westin Melbourne's owners, current hotel residents, and COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria, the decision has been made to accommodate the players and their support teams arriving in Melbourne for the next ATP Championship at an alternate location. From the hotel,” Westin said. in SENTENCE.Victoria State Police Secretary Lisa Neville told reporters on Tuesday that an alternative quarantine hotel had been secured for the players, which "will be suspended today or tomorrow."Several of the world's best players plan to compete in tournaments in Melbourne Park a week before the Grand Slam season opens. The ATP Cup, two ATP events, and two WTA tournaments will be held in Melbourne a week before the Australian Open 2021Also Read: Australia Open 2021 Champions to See a Drastic Change in Prize Money
With the advent of technology, tennis is doing its part to incorporate it. But this has a price. It seems likely that the linemen will be eliminated from the sports day in and day out as the falcon's eye is gaining prominence. The Australian Open 2021 has taken the step to implement the Hawk's Eye as the lead legal brand sponsor judge. But was the decision a preview of the future, or was it a precaution due to COVID-19?Why were the strip men eliminated from the Australian Open 2021?It was recently announced that the Australian Open 2021 would wear Hawk's eye in place of stadium officials. Hawkeye calls or the electronic line will be used throughout the tournament, but not in the qualifying event.This decision can be seen in two ways. First, the COVID-19 model. With the emergence of the new strain of Coronavirus, Australia has taken vigorous measures to control it. There is a facility limit and players must be quarantined for a period of 14 days. So it stands to reason that there will be fewer people in the stadiums, and getting rid of the line guards is one way to do that.Novak Djokovic sees no reason to have line judges The second is the transition to technology. Over the years, Hawk-eye has become more accurate and faster. Hence, the call for the dismissal of line officials gained momentum. The main defender of this was world number one Novak Djokovic. The Serbian was firmly against the use of guards in tournaments. His statement coincided with an incident with the assistant referee at the 2020 US Open, but the player said his statement was not due to his exclusion.“The technology is so advanced right now, there is absolutely no reason why you should keep line umpires on the Court. That’s my opinion” Djokovic said.Rafael Nadal opposes the dismissal of the linesmenBut wearing a falcon's eye eliminates the human element in tennis. World number two Rafael Nadal opposed Djokovic's idea of a non-linear judge.“Personally, I prefer the line umpires to what we have here… If you ask me what I would like to see in the future… Well, I believe we have room for evolution as a sport as tennis has not changed a lot in the last fifty years, compared to other sports, that is a reality, but at the same time I do not believe that this is the way to improve the “show.” Nadal said.Why eliminating service lines causes problems in the Australian Open 2021?Nadal can get it here. The sport will evolve over time, but eliminating the referees is not the way. The correct way is to merge both of them together. As in football, there are referees and technology working simultaneously so that all decisions are correct. Likewise, tennis can have a line and technique experts to oversee legal signs.Excluding line, officials would mean the loss of livelihoods for thousands of people. Many people trust him, and that's hard and skillful work. Eliminating them will leave them without their main source of income.Also Read: Australia Open 2021 Champions to See a Drastic Change in Prize MoneyHow will we get the new referees' chair without assistants?Moreover, the tennis match culture will change with the elimination of the umpires. Tennis hasn't changed much in years and has had a specific way of playing. Moreover, another interesting argument is that the rulers of the See are no longer rulers. So, tennis would need a way to find new referees if the linemen were removed.“Another way to think about it is that tennis is an industry and [automation is] a significant change. How are we going to create a new generation of umpires? I started as a line judge; how will young umpires get their chance?” ATP umpire Ali Nili said.Currently, electronic line calls have been used in the US Open Finals and the 2020 ATP Finals. The Australian Open 2021 is also on the train. It is meant to be a precaution, given COVID-19, but what could be an uncertainty could become a habit in the future.Also Read: Australian Open 2021 organizers forced to cancel the quarantine stay plan for international players
We are just a month away from the start of the Australian Open 2021. But while the excitement is at its peak, the situation surrounding the outbreak cannot be taken lightly. As a result, the championship decided to impose heavy fines on anyone who did not follow the protocols.It is an attempt to inculcate the importance of safety regulations in all Melbourne Park attendees. Therefore, not only will the actions be limited to the culprit, but they will also affect your team members equally.Organizers have already agreed to bring all players and team members via charter flights on January 15 and 16.Fines and fees at the Australian Open 2021If someone leaves without permission from a licensed Victorian government official, the person faces a tour fine of up to $ 20,000.However, a fine will not be the only way to resolve the issue. The Australian Open 2021 has listed the number of strict measures one could face in the event of a violation.Initially, to maintain tournament fitness, the perpetrator may face disqualification. Moreover, the loss of prize money is possible.Apart from that, prolonged quarantine and isolation in a hotel room ordered by the government are also listed as measures.In particular, the Australian Open 2021 is the first tournament to allow time out of hotel rooms during the quarantine. Accordingly, the organizers expect players to follow the rules if they want to enjoy the benefits.Finally, the guilty person may also face arrest and deportation from Australia. Players are also advised that a violation of their team members will be considered a violation by them.Given the circumstances, players hope that no restrictions will be taken lightly. When it comes to tennis, everyone works hard to win their first major tournament of the year.Hopefully, there isn't a single instance of default and Happy Slam will happily start.Also Read: Australian Open 2021 delayed,will be playing in Melbourne from February 8 to 21
One of the most brutal players on this tour was world number 1, Novak Djokovic. Over the years, he has built a reputation for not matching his opponents like no other. The way the Serbian player covers the tennis courts makes it almost as if there are two players on his side of the court.The results obtained and the success of Novak Djokovic has been phenomenal in the last decade. It turns out that he is the only player in the modern era to have won four major tournaments in a row (Wimbledon 2015, US Open 2015, Australian Open 2016, French Open 2016).Novak Djokovic is spending quality time with his family in MarbellaAs the world enters the new year, the Grand Slam champion has traveled 17 times to Marbella, Spain. Serbs trained in the warmer climates rather than the snowy regions of Serbia.Since the much-needed break was fine after a somewhat erratic season, Djokovic decided to travel to the seaside location to relax. Even the world's No. 1 has bought properties in the area.After a disappointing season last year, the Serbian ace will surely look to bounce back next Australian Open season. He will also want to forget some of the episodes he played in the previous season, such as being disqualified for accidentally hitting a woman with the ball at the US Open.Also Read: Australia Open 2021 Champions to See a Drastic Change in Prize MoneyNovak Djokovic is the favorite at the Australian Open 2021It won't be long before the eight-time Australian Open champion leaves for Australia. Ahead of the Australian Open 2021, the Serbian will be leading the event in Adelaide. He will also lead Serbia in the ATP Cup, the defending champion.With the Serbian player having enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his career in Melbourne, he will definitely be the favorite at the Australian Open 2021.Also Read: Australian Open 2021 to Issue Hefty Fine for Protocols Breach
Every fan is desperate for the Australian Open 2021 for one reason only. It is believed that the great Roger Federer will be back on the field after a year at Grand Slam. The excitement in the tennis world is at an all-time high and they want to welcome the Swiss master with open hands.Roger Federer suffered a knee injury at the Australian Open last year. The semi-final match against Novak Djokovic was the last professional tennis match he had ever played. Then he underwent two knee operations during the long period of rest due to the Coronavirus epidemic. The injury did not allow the legend to go out on the field all season.However, just a month after the Australian Open 2021, Roger Federer delivered some unfortunate news. The winner of the 20 Grand Slam decided to withdraw from the Grand Slam. It is definitely a heartbreaking moment for fans. However, they do realize Roger Federer may be back soon.Why is Roger Federer not playing the Australian Open 2021?Roger Federer's withdrawal from the Australian Open 2021 surprised fans. According to Craig Tilly, CEO of Tennis Australia, Roger Federer couldn't recover in time. The Swiss were definitely not feeling well and so he decided to retire. However, there were also some other claims.According to an Australian Open 2021 official, Roger Federer's decision was not to withdraw from the Grand Slam, but rather to the influence of his wife Mirka. The official further claimed that Roger Federer withdrew due to his family and quarantine issues, not due to injury.Roger Federer biographer Simon Graf described all of these claims as false and unfounded. It was believed Roger Federer would definitely have played in Grand Slam if he were completely fit.Whatever the reason, it is clear that world number five Roger Federer will not be playing in Melbourne now. It looks like the fans will have to wait a little longer to see the legend on the field again.When will Roger Federer return to the court?There is no official confirmation of Roger Federer's return at this time. However, Graf believes Roger Federer will definitely play the Dubai Tennis Championships in March 2021.Roger Federer certainly hasn't had an impressive record at the US Open or the French Open in the past decade. Since he's not playing in the Australian Open 2021 now, he's sure to be aiming for Wimbledon 2021 now.Also Read: Novak Djokovic is rejuvenating with his family before the Australian Open 2021
We are only three weeks away from the Australian Open 2021 and his craze has reached its climax. Fans are eagerly waiting for their stars to return to the field as soon as possible, having had to give up tennis for most of 2020. The tournament will take place from February 8, 2021, to February 21, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia.Although Roger Federer has withdrawn from the tournament, there are several other major players who will capture the attention of the fans. Defending champion Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafael Nadal will start as the first and second seed. US Open 2020 winner Dominic Tim, Daniel Medvedev, and Stephanos Tsitsipas will be other players to watch at Grand Slam.When it comes to the WTA tournaments, world number one Ashley Barty will return to the Grand Slam tournament. Naomi Osaka and defending champion Sofia Kenin are other strong contenders for the title. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on the 2020 French Open winner Ija Soyatek and Arena Sabalenka, who record a colossal winning streak.As is often the case, one of the most anticipated questions is: Can Serena Williams lift her 24th Grand Slam title in Melbourne this year?Where can fans enjoy the live-action of the Australian Open 2021?Nine Network is the official broadcasting organization for Grand Slam in Australia after claiming the rights in 2020 for five years. Fans in Australia will be able to watch the action live on Nine Network.In Europe, Eurosport is the exclusive Grand Slam live announcer. Apart from that, SRG (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) will broadcast the championship in Switzerland, NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting) in the Netherlands, and RTS (Radio Serbia TV) in Serbia.The tennis channel, ESPN 2 and ESPN 3 will broadcast the matches live in the USA.In China, the national CCTV station together with Shanghai TV and Beijing TV will present the event live for the fans. In India, fans will receive live updates on the Sony SIX network, while in Japan, the Australian Open 2021 will be broadcast live on NHK and the pay-TV network WOWOW.Fans all over the world will be able to watch the competition of their favorite players live.Also Read: Australian Open 2021 to Issue Hefty Fine for Protocols Breach
Following the schedule, the Australian Open 2021 will begin on February 8, 2021. However, clouds of uncertainty still hang around the Grand Slam.The coronavirus epidemic is not over yet and it could become a major obstacle for the elderly. The effect is that the pandemic has the potential to cancel the Grand Slam.Two crew members tested positive before the Australian Open 2021Two crew members onboard tennis trips have recently tested positive for COVID-19. This is a major concern as there is a possibility that they may have infected other passengers.According to some reports, management required about 50 players to remain under strict quarantine until further orders. This is also very annoying for players as they will not be able to train outside until the following instructions arrive.In such a scenario, it's really hard for Tennis Australia to organize the event as scheduled. However, Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia's CEO, has more to say about it.Although two crew members have contracted the virus, Tilly said management will stick to the planned date without any delay or cancellation. He noted that it was unfortunate that two people had tested positive, but he also revealed that there were 643 other tests that came back negative.“Ticket sales have gone well, we have two weeks of great tennis and we definitely intend to continue with those appointments. So far, we have had 643 negative tests and two, unfortunately, they have been positive,” Tilly said.From Tiley's words, it looks absolutely certain that the Australian Open 2021 will take place in its regular schedule. However, there are still three weeks left before Grand Slam. Even though Tiley appears assertive in her position, she will have to change something in her plans if more positive situations arise in the future.As of now, the Australian Open 2021 is underway and will be held from February 8, 2021, to February 21, 2021. It will be the first major tournament of the year, so fans are very excited about it. . They definitely hope it won't be canceled so they can see their favorite stars live soon.Also Read: Novak Djokovic is rejuvenating with his family before the Australian Open 2021
Rafael Nadal is currently preparing for the 2021 season by participating in the ATP Cup, and the Spaniard was expected to oversee the pitch in his first match against Australian Alex de Minor, but the 34-year-old withdrew from the match due to a back injury. There is more bad news in this regard.Rafael Nadal will not play his second game against Stefanos TsitsipasFans were very disappointed in Rafael Nadal's absence against Alex de Minor. We will have to wait another day to get close, but the Spanish team is now facing more negativity as the tournament progresses.Spain comfortably overtook Australia in their first match, but once again struggled with a squad shortage as they faced a promising Greek side led by Stefanos Tsitsipas. The main event in this confrontation was the showdown between Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal, but the match appears to be off the table.A back injury has been worrying Rafael Nadal for some time and preventing him from playing professional matches. It has been confirmed that Rafael Nadal will not play against Greece and that is a problem.Roberto Bautista Agut replaced Rafael Nadal against Australia, and it is expected that he will also face the challenge from Tsitsipas.While Spain has their support, tennis fans will be disappointed that the second-ranked player in the world is no longer in good shape ahead of the Australian Open 2021.“I'm not good enough to play tomorrow” - Rafael NadalThis is not the perfect start for Rafael Nadal until 2021. He had two good matches in the group stage of the ATP Cup 2021 but had to answer them from the bench.The Spaniard should not be disappointed with this back injury, it is just the beginning of a new season. There is still a lot to come, but the 34-year-old declared his inability to participate in the ATP Cup with a disappointing message. "I'm not good enough to play tomorrow," Rafael Nadal said.However, if Spain can defeat Greece, Rafael Nadal can return and help his country in the ATP Cup semi-finals. It all depends on how Spain plays against Greece in their next match.Also Read: Tennis in 2019 Rafael Nadal on top as new faces make mark in women's game