Nadal plays down foot injury

World number Rafael Nadal has reacted to comments made by his coach by denying a foot injury is causing him serious problems.

Spaniard scotches coach's claims

World number Rafael Nadal has reacted to comments made by his coach by denying a foot injury is causing him serious problems. Toni Nadal, who is also the player's uncle, told a newspaper that Rafael suffered an injury in 2005 that is likely to have a major impact on his career in the long-term. However, the 21-year-old Spaniard was flanked by his coach when refuting the story on national television on Wednesday. "This injury hasn't stopped me competing at the top level for two years," he said. "The story that has come out is totally false." In the newspaper interview, Toni Nadal said: "It's very serious. He has to take a lot of precautions when he plays. "We are pleased with the season just finished, with the injury and everything. The key factor has been to shorten the length of matches and we have achieved that." But the player's media manager Benito Perez-Barbadillo cleared up any misunderstanding, telling Reuters: "He sustained an injury to his left foot in 2005 which was treated then. "He sometimes has a little pain with it that comes and goes, but every player plays with a little pain. "This year he has played the second highest number of matches of anyone on the tour and achieved his highest ever points total. It isn't career-threatening."