World No.1 Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Brisbane International, but said he still intends to play in next month's Australian Open. The Spaniard, who hasn't played since losing to David Goffin at the World Tour Finals in London, was scheduled to start his season in Brisbane this weekend. "My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year's long season and the late start of my preparation," Nadal tweeted. But he said he still planned to play in the year's opening Grand Slam tournament, starting on January 15. "I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th (of January) in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open," Nadal posted.

Source: AFP