35-year-old Nadal, who has just returned to the sport after a long injury, was defeated by Britain's Andy Murray in the semi-finals of Friday's exhibition event. Nadal wrote on Twitter: "On returning home after playing the Abu Dhabi tournament, I have tested positive for COVID in the PCR test that was performed on me upon arrival in Spain.

Rafael Nadal says a comeback at the Australian Open won't be easy. The 20-time major champion will play Britain's Andy Murray at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships, an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, on Friday. Nadal, suffering a leg injury at the French Open in June, is preparing to play for the first time since the injury.

Spain's Manolo Santana, a four-time Grand Slam champion, dies at the age of 83 Rafael Nadal paid tribute to him on Twitter, saying "As I have said many times in the past, thank you for what you did for our country and showing us the way." "You were always a benchmark, a friend and a close person to all of us. You will never be forgotten."

Novak Djokovic has been entered in the Australian Open despite uncertainty over the Covid vaccination status. US Open champion Emma Radukanu of Great Britain will make her tournament debut. Cameron Norie, Dan Evans and Heather Watson are also on the entry list, with Stanislas Wawrinka missing due to injury. Most shocking is the absence of seven-time winner Serena Williams. Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is absent due to knee surgery

Daniil Medvedev, who did not lose a set in the tournament, defeated Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-2 in 89 minutes to ensure a victory for the Russian Tennis Federation. Medvedev hit eight aces and won 87 percent (34/39) behind his first ball. This is the third time that the Russian Tennis Federation has won the Davis Cup, having also won in 2002 and 2006. Medvedev: "That sounds amazing." “I am happy for the team more than myself. We have an amazing team with a wonderful atmosphere and I am happy to be able to win the points I need to be able to be a part of this team. It was amazing two weeks . I am very happy."

The nominees for the 2021 ATP Awards have been announced. For all player-voted categories - Comeback Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Stephen Edberg Sportsmanship Award - and Coach of the Year.

The ATP has announced the calendar for the start of the half of the 2022 season, which will take place in Sydney, Australia in January. The 2022 edition will feature a 16-team arena and will be held at Sydney Olympic Park at two venues in Sydney – Ken Roswell Arena and Kudos Bank Arena.