Rafael Nadal has admitted he is still struggling with the fitness issues that plagued him in Qatar ahead of next week's Australian Open.
Nadal can go but the third man and the beginning since Rod Laver in 1969 to defy all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously when his Open campaign kicks off at Melbourne Park next week.
He already holds the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open crowns following a spectacular 2010 that also saw him find the worldwide number one ranking from Roger Federer.
Tennis great Rod Laver wants to do something perfectly clear: If Rafael Nadal wins this months Australian Open for a fourth major title in a row, it would be "a big effort" - but not a Grand Slam.
Thats because a true Grand Slam is winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in a calendar year, not just consecutively.
Laver would know.
Tennis great Rod Laver wants to do something perfectly clear: If Rafael Nadal wins this months Australian Open for a fourth major title in a row, it would be "a big effort" - but not a Grand Slam.
Thats because a true Grand Slam is taking the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in a calendar year, not just consecutively.
Laver would know.
