World No. 1 Rafael Nadal "is in doubt for the Australian Open after aborting plans to play in lead-up events" in Brisbane and Sydney, according to the AAP. Nadal has not played since losing to David Goffin at the World Tour Finals in London and then "immediately pulling out of the season-ending championships in mid-November." He was "scheduled to return to the court" at the season-opening Brisbane Int'l starting on Saturday but an ongoing knee injury "has forced his withdrawal." He tweeted, "I am sorry to announce I won’t be coming to Brisbane this year. My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year’s long season and the late start of my preparation." He indicated he "now planned to come to Australia early next month ahead of the Australian Open." Nadal "may not be the only high-profile scratching" from the Brisbane Int'l, with Andy Murray "having delayed his planned Christmas arrival to Australia because of his chronic hip injury." Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic "also pulled out of qualifying" for the Brisbane Int'l, "casting further doubt over his tennis future." The Gold Coast player’s career "hit a brick wall this year," with the 25-year-old falling from No. 26 to No. 140 in the world. It put him "outside automatic qualification" for next month’s Australian Open and Brisbane Int'l. Tennis Australia has "so far opted against offering Tomic a wildcard to play his home grand slam" (GUARDIAN, 12/27).
'WE'LL SEE': The BBC reported Roger Federer does not "think it's normal and realistic" to match his '17 exploits next year. The 36-year-old, "who has arrived in Australia to play in the Hopman Cup in Perth," won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in '17. Federer: "I've got to try and keep it cool. Try my best and see what happens but the preparation has been good so far. We'll see how things go" (BBC, 12/28).
