Rafael Nadal fourth favourite for Australian Open crown following Melbourne arrival
- Seb Sternik
- 1 January 2022
The 20-time Grand Slam champion sent the internet into a frenzy after announcing his arrival in Melbourne.
Nadal's appearance at the Australian Open - which begins on January 17 - was cast into doubt after the Spaniard tested positive for COVID-19 during an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month.
Despite the set-back, Nadal has arrived in Australia where he will be looking to win what would be a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
🤫 Don’t tell anyone…
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 31, 2021
… here I am 😉 pic.twitter.com/x1F2BJnH3y
Since the release of his social media post, Nadal has been priced as fourth favourite to win just his second Australian Open.
The Spaniard is currently available at 11/1 with Planet Sport Bet and finds himself behind Alexander Zverev (11/4), Daniil Medvedev (2/1) and Novak Djokovic (5/4).
Speaking of the world number one, it's still unknown whether Djokovic will compete in Melbourne.
The defending Australian Open champion has already withdrawn from the ATP Cup in Sydney amid uncertainty over his COVID-19 vaccination status.
All players and staff involved in Australia's biggest tennis tournament must be vaccinated or at least have a medial exemption.
Djokovic, who is yet to disclose his vaccination status, remains a doubt ahead of the event.
