31 Jan 2017

Federer and Nadal to take time off

6:58 am on 31 January 2017

Roger Federer says he's going to take a well deserved break, while Rafael Nadal will miss Spain's Davis Cup World Group first-round match against Croatia this weekend due to fatigue.

The two are still recovering from their Australian Open final, which Federer won to claim his 18th grand slam title.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal 2017 Australian Open.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal 2017 Australian Open. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Swiss legend admits he didn't get much if any sleep after the Melbourne Park decider.

The 35-year-old will take time off before resuming the hard court season in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami at the end of next month.

"I'm very tired right now and my legs hurt and my back is stiff as I couldn't take any treatment plus I was dancing, so, I'm still on the high, but I'm going to crash eventually, but that's okay."

Meanwhile world number six, Nadal, won't play for his country this weekend.

"Rafa's wear and tear in the last month has been very significant," Spain Davis Cup captain Conchita Martinez told the Spanish Tennis Federation website.

"He needs time to recover from his efforts and I'm certain that he will accompany us in the next rounds."

Spain have called up Feliciano Lopez as Nadal's replacement for the first-round tie against last year's runners-up Croatia.

Lopez joins Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno and Marc Lopez in the team for the match in Osijek, Croatia from Feb. 3-5.

-Reuters and BBC