Nadal pulls out of ATP Cup clash with de Minaur due to injury

Spain’s world No.2 Rafael Nadal has pulled out of his country’s opening tie with Australia in the ATP Cup, giving the home nation a boost in their tough competition group.

Nadal tweeted hours before he was set to take the court to say he had a stiff back.

“Hi all, we have decided with Team Spain and my team, to not play today the first match of the ATP Cup here in Melbourne, since I have a stiff low back. Hopefully i’ll be better for Thursday (against Greece).”

It means Alex De Minaur will now take on Roberto Bautista Agut as the top-ranked players from each team, with John Millman to play Pablo Carreno Busta from 5.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers will then play John Peers and Luke Saville in the doubles tie.

Australia are set to face Greece on Wednesday, who are spearheaded by Stefanos Tsitsipas.

More to come