Tennis

Stomach bug hits Nadal's hunt for sixth Madrid title

Rafael Nadal had also been suffering from the bug on Sunday, a week on from losing in the semifinal of the Barcelona Open.

AFP
06 May, 2019 21:41 IST

Rafael Nadal reacts during his quarterfinal match against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the Barcelona Open.   -  Getty Images

AFP
06 May, 2019 21:41 IST

Record five-time Madrid Open winner Rafael Nadal pulled out of a media conference on Monday on the eve of his opening match at the tournament due to a stomach bug.

He is scheduled to fulfil his delayed media obligation on Tuesday, according to tournament officials, allaying concerns over his fitness.

Eleven-time Roland Garros champion Nadal had also been suffering from the bug on Sunday, a week on from losing in the semifinal of the Barcelona Open.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner is racing to make up for lost time after failing to win a clay title so far this spring.

RELATED | Is Rafael Nadal losing his grip on clay?

The second seed is due to open play in the second round against Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime.