Rafael Nadal sues former minister over doping allegations

Rafael Nadal has filed a lawsuit against Roselyne Bachelot over the former French minister's claims that he was once guilty of doping.

The world number five has sued the ex-Minister for Health and Sport over her recent allegations that his 2012 injury layoff 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," said Nadal in a statement.

"I wish to avoid any public figure from making insulting or false allegations against an athlete using the media, without any evidence."

The 14-time Grand Slam winner, who maintains that his 2012 absence was due to tendinitis and a virus, revealed intentions to sue Bachelot in March.

Bachelot served as part of Nicolas Sarkozy's government from 2007 to 2010, but is no longer active in politics.