Injured By Injury, Rafael Nadal Withdraws From The Australian Open

Rafael Nadal during the second round of the Australian Open 2023 match against Macach Mcdonald at Melbourne Park, January 18, 2023. (Between/USA TODAY Sports/Mike Frey)

JAKARTA - Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Australian Open due to a muscle injury after nearly a week of returning from a year-long absence from injury.

The 37-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a hip injury at the Australian Open 2023, undergoing two surgeries before returning to the pitch by appearing at Brisbane International.

As AFP reports, Nadal won his opening two games at Brisbane in two straight sets and looks in good shape, but he needs a medical break towards the end of his quarter-final defeat to Australian Jordan Thompson after feeling pain in his upper left thigh.

"In my last match at Brisbane, I had a small problem with muscles like you know, it worries me," Nadal said through his social media post, Sunday, January 7, 2024.

"When I got to Melbourne, I had an MRI test and I had a micro rip in my muscles, not in the same part as the injury I suffered and that's good news."

"At this time I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of a five-set match. I will fly back to Spain to meet a doctor, get treatment and rest".

Nadal's absence at the Australian Open could mean he has played at Melbourne Park for the last time, having said there was a "high possibility" that 2024 would be his year of separation on the tour.