Zidane comes to Nadal's rescue

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has launched a staunch personal defence of Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal after the 14-time Grand Slam champion was accused by a former French sports minister of covering up a failed drugs test.

Roselyne Bachelot, France's sports minister between 2007 and 2010, claimed Nadal had faked an injury in 2012, when he missed the final six months of the season due to knee problems, to cover up a failed test.

"I feel bad for Rafa Nadal because he is a gentleman, a person that has shown the values he has and that everyone loves," Zidane said of Nadal, who is an honorary member of Real Madrid.

"He is a professional and I know him a little. I feel bad for what they have said.

"He has to leave all this to one side and think that everyone who loves sport, loves Rafa Nadal, whether they be French, Spanish or American."

Real Madrid also released a statement in defence of one of Spain's most loved and admired sportsmen.

"Rafa Nadal represents the fundamental values of sport. His greatness and his incredible achievements have always been based upon a foundation of exemplary conduct, unwavering work, talent and astonishing levels of commitment."