Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a “micro tear on a muscle” following his recent return from a lengthy injury hiatus.
The 37-year-old had been sidelined since sustaining a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open and had just made his comeback at the Brisbane International tournament where he won his initial matches but experienced discomfort during his quarter-final loss. Nadal revealed that the muscle injury is in a different area from his previous ailment and emphasized the need for further treatment and rest.
This unfortunate setback could potentially mark the conclusion of his appearances at Melbourne Park, as he had previously hinted at the possibility of retiring after the 2024 season, with his health being a significant factor in this decision. The Australian Open expressed their well wishes for his recovery, acknowledging his absence from the tournament.
Nadal’s career has been characterized by multiple injury challenges resulting from his aggressive playing style, including knee, wrist, and foot issues. He had expressed in Brisbane that his primary focus was on returning to his peak performance level within a few months, rather than winning immediate tournaments.
Despite the disappointment of missing the Australian Open, Nadal remains optimistic about his prospects for the rest of the season, appreciating the support he received and looking forward to returning to the court. Throughout his illustrious career, Nadal has achieved remarkable success, particularly at the French Open where he secured 14 of his major titles, and at other prestigious events such as the US Open and Wimbledon. His injury-related absence has caused a decline in his ranking, while his rival Novak Djokovic has surpassed him in Grand Slam title wins, attaining a total of 24 titles.