Barely a week after returning from a year-long injury layoff, Spanish veteran Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Australian Open on Sunday due to a “micro tear on a muscle,” but he insisted he was still optimistic.
The 37-year-old had to get surgery after hurting his hip at the 2023 Australian Open in order to resume play, and he did so at the Brisbane International.
He seemed healthy and had won his first two matches in straight sets, but towards the conclusion of his quarterfinal encounter against Jordan Thompson of Australia, he felt soreness in his upper left thigh and had to take a medical timeout.
“During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news.
“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment, and rest.”
Given that he stated there was a “high percentage” that 2024 would be his final year on the tour, his absence from the Australian Open may indicate that this is his final appearance at Melbourne Park.
When asked if he will play again after this season, he stated in Brisbane that his health would be the determining factor.
Ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, longtime rival and current world number one Novak Djokovic is also under the weather due to an injury.
Despite requiring medical attention for a bothersome right wrist during the United Cup last week, the Serbian stated, “I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open.”
