(FILES) Spain’s Rafael Nadal receives medical treatment for his hip in the course of the third set of play against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at their men’s singles match in the course of the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 5, 2024. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)
Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal on Sunday pulled out of the Australian Open with a “micro tear on a muscle” barely per week after making his comeback from a year-long injury absence, but said he remained positive.
The 37-year-old had been out of the sport since injuring his hip on the 2023 Australian Open, undergoing surgery before making his return on the Brisbane International.
Nadal won his opening two matches in straight sets and looked in good touch, but needed a medical timeout towards the tip of his quarterfinal loss to Australia’s Jordan Thompson after feeling pain in his upper left thigh.
“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you understand made me frightened,” he said on X, formerly generally known as Twitter.
“Once I got to Melbourne I even have had the possibility to make an MRI and I even have micro tear on a muscle, not in the identical part where I had the injury and that’s excellent news.
“Without delay I’m not able to compete at the utmost level of five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”
His absence from the Australian Open could mean he has played at Melbourne Park for the last time, having said there was a “high percentage” that 2024 can be his farewell to the tour.
He said in Brisbane that his health can be the deciding think about any decision about continuing to play after this season.
“We’ll miss you in Melbourne, Rafa,” the Australian Open said on its official X feed. “Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon.”
Long-time rival and world primary Novak Djokovic also has an injury cloud hanging over him ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season.
The Serbian needed treatment on a hard right wrist in the course of the United Cup last week, but said: “I believe I even have enough time to get myself in the correct shape for the Australian Open.”
‘Sad news for me’
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks dejected between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia in the course of the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Injuries have been a recurring theme of Nadal’s record-breaking profession, a painful by-product of his all-action, brutal-hitting style that has led to struggles with serious knee, wrist and foot problems.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion stressed in Brisbane that he didn’t come into the tournament expecting to win, and hinted that the Australian Open might come too soon.
“I even have worked very hard in the course of the yr for this comeback and as I all the time mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in three months,” he said.
“Throughout the sad news for me for not with the ability to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this just isn’t very bad news and all of us remain positive with the evolution for the season.
“I actually desired to play here in Australia and I even have had the possibility to play a number of matches that made me very comfortable and positive. Thanks all for the support and see you soon.”
During his profession, Nadal dominated the French Open, where he won 14 of his majors, his first arriving just days after his nineteenth birthday in 2005, his last in 2022 making him the event’s oldest champion.
He’s a four-time champion on the US Open, won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, and is a two-time winner on the Australian Open — with 13 years spanning his first triumph at Melbourne Park in 2009 and his second in 2022.
The injury absence saw Nadal’s rating slip to 672 while rival Novak Djokovic has passed him within the Grand Slam title count with 24.
