Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has been forced to pull out of the tournament due to a stomach virus. The Australian Open confirmed the star's absence on Friday. 

"I am sorry and very sad to announce I will not play in the Australian Open," said Nadal. "My knee is coming along okay but a stomach virus has left me unable to get ready in time."

Nadal has not played on the ATP tour since losing in the second round of Wimbeldon to Lukas Rosol this past June. Nadal, a former world ranked no.1 is currently ranked 4th by the ATP.