Rafael Nadal has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Roselyne Bachelot following the former French sports minister's allegations that he failed a doping test.

Bachelot claimed that Nadal's lengthy absence from the ATP Tour in 2012 was "without any doubt because he tested positive".

Nadal stated that tendinitis and illness were the reasons for his time away from court and the Spaniard last month confirmed his intention to pursue legal action, saying: "I am tired about these things. I let it go a few times in the past. Not anymore."

The 29-year-old, winner of 14 grand slam titles, has now begun that process.

"I intend to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete but also the values I have defended all my career," Nadal said in a widely reported statement.

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

Bachelot, 69, served under Nicolas Sarkozy's government as sports minister between 2007 and 2010.