(AP) Rafael Nadal filed suit Monday against a former French minister who accused him of doping, saying he needs to defend his integrity and image as an athlete.
Roselyne Bachelot, France’s former minister for health and sport, said on TV show Le Grand 8 that the Spaniard’s seven-month injury hiatus in 2012 was “probably due to a positive doping test.”
“I intend to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete but also the values I have defended all my career. I wish to avoid any public figure from making insulting or false allegations against an athlete using the media, without any evidence,” Rafa said in a statement.
You can read his full statement below: 
Source: AP
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) I love this close up photo shot right after your Barcelona victory match : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS & have a beautiful weekend! : )
This is a stand Rafa is making not only for himself but for any clean athlete out there that is targeted by false accusation. Good for him. All I can add is, It’s about time Rafa fought back. I’m soooooooooooooo over the moronic behaviour of fans, media, politicians & critics that have hounded Rafa over the years. They are bullies & when Rafa gets through with Roselyne Bachelot & wins,I hope he goes after anyone who stills try’s to malign his good name
Hopefully, by sueing Bachelot it will put an end to the doping allegations for this year anyway. Bachelot and her ilk drag out these allegations every year at this time no doubt to try to bring stress to Nadal during the clay season looking for any little thing that might lessen his toe hold in winning championships. Even though you know it shouldn’t, this very poor behavior reflects on the French as a whole. It’s a shame.
Rafa defiendete , tu eres un gran ser humano y de una integridad absoluta.
This is how Le Monde reported the interview. My French isn’t brilliant but “tres certainement” sounds pretty definite to me. Good luck Rafa. Go for her.
L’ancienne ministre de la santé et des sports de Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2010), désormais chroniqueuse sur la chaîne de télévision D8, s’était agacée sur le plateau du manque de transparence autour du dopage dans le tennis : « On ne révèle pas les contrôles positifs (…). Simplement, on apprend curieusement qu’un joueur a une blessure qui le maintient des mois en dehors des courts. On sait à peu près que la fameuse blessure de Rafael Nadal qui a entraîné sept mois d’arrêt de compétition [en 2012-2013] est très certainement due à un contrôle positif. »
She is no longer sports minister but the fact she is doing interviews suggests she still wants/needs to work. I imagine she is after some publicity perhaps to gain more television appearances in future. She has suggested that Rafa would not do anything as he hadn’t before. Did she think he was an easy target for her desperate seeking of publicity?
NADAL NEEDS TO BE LEFT ALONE . HE WAS OUT IN 2012 BECAUSE OF INJURIES. I THINK HE SHOULD TAKE IT TO COURT.
Vamos Rafa! After winning grand slams on all surfaces, Rafa needs a new challenge and takes his game to the Law Courts! Yea, that woman needs to be silenced. This should do it.
this women as no right to blacken your name or other peoples l hope she get the book throne at her,you do not deserve to be treated that way,hope everything go well for you,all the very best in madrid.vamos rafa.
How Dare the stupid bitch of a woman say or even allege that Rafa would stoop to such an idiocy.She must not have a brain . or is she out to sensationalize for her own sake , mores the pity , she won,t get any from Rafa. he,s too good and too clean and he doesn,t need drugs to be the very Best, Stupid ,stupid , Hope he sues the skirt of her , Well done Rafa
Oh for God’s sake, grow up Rafa.
Your remark is very offensive. How well do you know Rafael Nadal? How much do you know about his life? He is a man of principle. Has anybody ever slandered you? Would that bother you?
And by the way, I had always been taught that Christians love and respect everyone.
We all protect our reputation as it is precious. You need to grow up . I am pleased that he has decided to take action against a twisted woman . Many French people respect and support him but evil people lurk everywhere. Don’t lump all the French in the bad category .
You need to read the IFTP’s validation of Rafa!
I made an error .. it is the ITF not the IFTP.. two different entities
Shame on those French!
They really hate Rafa don’t they? 9 FO and they haven’t make any tribute to Rafa-The King of Roland Garros.
I think they ‘re trying to prevent Rafa from getting the tenth just like what they did in 2009.
Shame on you, French!
Right on Rafa ….you have In endured these Allegations long enough…if you don’t nip it in the bud right now she will continue with her damaging lies. I hope you sue the skirt off of her and that B…. learns her lesson . So Proud and happy for your success in Monte Carlo and Barcelona… Our Rafa is back right where he belong!!
Yes Rafa sue her for all the money she has and give it to your charities ! She needs to respect you and get her facts right ! Keep focus on tennis and win the French Open next month please !
VAMOS RAFA.💖, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BACK TO BACK WINS.
ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE THE BEST.🌷.
REMEMBER THE SUPPORT AND LOVE OF ALL YOUR FANS ARE RIGHT BEHIND YOU, LIKE A GREAT WALL. WE TRUST YOU . WE KNOW YOU WILL NEVER DO SUCH THINGS.
YOUR LOVE FOR THE SPORT IS GREAT.
ENJOY YOUR MOMENTS OF VICTORY. PLEASE, REMEMBER WE HAVE RG COMING UP.
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee you Rafa.💖 always.
Guys and girls let’s not think we know anything better about this than Rafa and his team.
Clearly Rafa has a team of people who know wether he should or shouldn’t sue and wether he can or can’t win. He sues her because his legal team told him he has enough to go by. If he doesn’t win this case it means France is as corrupt as they come. She basically accused Rafa, in one way or another, of doing doping without any shred of evidence. Probably is still insinuating and that’s enough.
Would be nice if he wins. It’s like Robin Hood taking money from the rich and giving it to the needy.
What’s her evidence?
The fact that you are suing her says EVERYTHING………..
But, please stay focused on Tennis especially since your playing so well….
Rely on your fans. We’ve got your back and know this isn’t true!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great Clay court season. Its ;looking awesome so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vamos…..Your devoted fan, Buffy from Arkansas in the USA
Humm humm hasn’t a French footballer just been tested positive? The French have been pointing the finger at the Spanish for a while. The phrase clean up your own backyard comes to mind.