Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open as comeback lasts just one tournament
Rafael Nadal will miss this month's Australian Open in another injury blow.
Nadal had been out for virtually all of 2023 due to injury and had only returned in Brisbane.
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The 22-time Grand Slam winner revealed that he has a small muscle problem and is not ready for the first major tournament of 2024.
He wrote on X: "Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried. 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 exigence in 5 sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.
"I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months.
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"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.
"I really wanted to play here in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive. Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa."
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Before Brisbane, Nadal's last tournament was the 2023 Australian Open where he damaged his hip in the second round and kept him out for the remainder of the year.
It is a blow to the Spaniard's farewell tennis tour, after he revealed last year that it will be his final season before retiring.
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The 37-year-old won his first round match in Brisbane, beating Dominic Thiem, before crashing out in the quarter-finals in a gruelling three hour 26 minute defeat to Jordan Thompson.
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