Rafael Nadal said he had been able to practice confidently, but was not physically ready to play the tournament in Brisbane, Australia, this week. Glenn Hunt/EPA, via Shutterstock
BRISBANE, Australia — Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Brisbane International on Wednesday to focus on being ready for the Australian Open, which will be his first competitive tournament since a knee injury forced him to retire from the United States Open semifinals in September.
The second-ranked Nadal, who cited a strained muscle in his left thigh for his withdrawal, said he still thought he could add to his 17 major titles by the end of the month.