The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in tennis. The 2013 Australian Open begins January 14 and runs through the 27th. 

Some of the latest news coming from this year's event is a disappointment to tennis fans: Rafael Nadal will not be playing. 

A stomach virus has plagued the Spanish superstar's preparation for the summer as he attempted to rejoin the tour for the first time since a mid-year knee injury.

Ironically, in the end it was the virus, and not the knee, that prompted his decision.

For a complete breakdown of Nadal's latest injury history and for Rafa's statement about his decision, read the complete article by visiting the AustralianOpen.com by clicking the link above.