Rafael Nadal won’t play in the 2024 Australian Open after suffering a ‘micro-tear’ on a muscle.
Unfortunately, after coming back from a hip injury, he was out in the quarterfinal of the Brisbane International and has now flown back to Spain to see his doctor about his upper thigh.
Rafael Nadal is not competing in the 2024 Australian Open after suffering a ‘micro tear’ on a muscle at the Brisbane Internationals.
(Credit: Getty)2024 was expected to be the Spanish champion’s final year in tennis but Australian fans may have just lucked out after the Brisbane competition.
Nadal took to X (formally Twitter) to inform his fans of his decision, “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.”
One of Nadal’s biggest rivals Roger Federer retired in September 2022.
(Credit: Getty)He continued, “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.”
“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.”
A highlight of Rafael Nadal’s career is his win during the Men’s Singles Final against Novak Djokovic at the 2020 French Open.
(Credit: Getty)There’s still hope for Aussie fans because despite him saying there was a ‘high percentage’ this would be the last time he’d be playing in Aus, he refused to confirm it.
Nadal told reporters during the Brisbane Internationals, “If I’m here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it’s going to be your last season,’ because I didn’t say it.”
“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months. I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years.”
The defending champion suffered a significant hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open that ruled him out of the season entirely.
