Rafael Nadal reaffirms to *CNN Spain* **that he is unlikely to play again this year, with the 2013 Australian Open as his target return date. Nadal has been sidelined with knee trouble since Wimbledon. He would not rule out playing in the Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic (held in mid-November), but didn’t sound like he feels he should compete.
“My biggest goal is to compete at Australian Open,” Nadal said. “About the Davis Cup final, of course I would love to take part in it, but first I have to see if I will be ready technically and physically. We would have to ask whether I am the right choice to compete in a Spanish team that has been long preparing for this important tie considering also the months I have spent without playing. But that’s a decision that it’s not mine.”
Nadal added that his injury forced him to change his goals.
“I was hoping to regain the No. 1 spot in 2012. Now, I’m happy to return at the Australian Open and be 100 percent competitive.”