Rafael Nadal needs rest instead of Rotterdam

Rafael Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final last month, has confirmed that he will not play in the upcoming Rotterdam Open

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will sit out the upcoming Rotterdam Open after doctors told him he needed rest after his run to the Australian Open final.

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts while playing against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's singles final at the Australian Open. Nadal said on Thursday that the match took a lot out of him and he will be resting. (AFP)

“I’m very sorry I won’t be able to play but the Australian Open took a lot out of me,” Nadal said.

“And my doctors are insisting I take it easy and get sufficient rest before playing again so as to avoid any fresh bout of injuries,” said the Mallorcan.

His old foe Roger Federer got the better of him in an epic Australian Open final winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3.

Nadal should be back at Acapulco in the week beginning February 27.