Nadal withdraws from Australian open due to muscle tear, future in doubt

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Australian Open after revealing a “micro tear on a muscle.”

The setback comes just a week after his return to the court following a year-long injury hiatus.

Nadal, 37, had been sidelined since the 2023 Australian Open due to a hip injury, for which he underwent surgery. His comeback at the Brisbane International showed promise with two straight-set victories, but during his quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson, he experienced pain in his upper left thigh, prompting a medical timeout.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nadal stated, “During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small problem on a muscle that made me worried.”

An MRI in Melbourne revealed a micro tear on a different muscle, providing a silver lining. However, Nadal acknowledged that he is not currently prepared for the intensity of five-set matches and plans to return to Spain for treatment and rest.

This unexpected withdrawal raises questions about Nadal’s future in professional tennis, with speculation that this could be his last appearance at Melbourne Park.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion hinted in Brisbane that 2024 might mark his farewell to the tour, emphasizing that his health would dictate any decision to continue playing after this season.

The Australian Open expressed disappointment at Nadal’s absence, conveying, “We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa. Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon.”

As Nadal faces this setback, his long-time rival, Novak Djokovic, also grapples with injury concerns ahead of the Grand Slam.

Djokovic received treatment on a troublesome right wrist during the United Cup but remains optimistic about his readiness for the Australian Open.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Nadal’s illustrious career, stemming from his aggressive playing style. Despite the disappointment, Nadal remains positive, emphasizing that, “Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news, and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.”

The absence has impacted Nadal’s rankings, slipping to 672, while Djokovic has surpassed him in the Grand Slam title count with 24. The tennis world now awaits updates on Nadal’s recovery and the potential future trajectory of his remarkable career.