Nadal Still Struggling With Back Problem Ahead of Australian Open

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week’s Australian Open.

Tennis—ATP Cup—Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 2, 2021—Spain's Rafael Nadal watches the match between Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta and Australia's John Millman. Loren Elliott/File Photo via Reuters

MADRID—World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week’s Australian Open.

Nadal pulled out of Spain’s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year’s first Grand Slam.