Nadal Struggling with Shoulder Injury

Rafael Nadal says he plans to take several weeks off after the Australian Open to recover from a nagging shoulder injury.

The second-ranked Nadal said the injury surfaced during the ATP World Tour Finals in London and that he was still "not 100 percent."

He said he made a decision three days ago to defend his title at the World Tennis Championships, a two-day exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Nadal will play the winner of a match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer in the semifinals Friday.

Nadal is hopeful his shoulder will hold up in Abu Dhabi and in Doha where he plans to play at the Qatar Open next week.

After competing at the Australian Open beginning Jan. 16, the 25-year-old Spaniard said he would take February off to rest and practice.