Rafael Nadal will not be participating in the upcoming Australian Open 2024 as the Spaniard suffered a muscle tear during his last match at Brisbane International, the 20-time Grand Slam winner confirmed on Sunday.
Nadal, 37, had just returned from a 12-month-long absence and played one double and two singles matches in the last 15 days but he is now set to be sidelined for some time again after suffering an injury during his match against Jordan Thompson on Friday (January 5).
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Spaniard revealed that he encountered some pain after which he underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) which revealed a micro tear in a new muscle.
"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,” Nadal posted on X.
The Spaniard then confirmed that he is not fit enough to compete in five-set matches and will fly back to Spain to begin his rehab.
“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,” he added.
Nadal had earlier expressed that 2024 might be his last tennis as the Spaniard will turn 38 this year in June. He wanted to participate in the Paris Olympics this year but considering his constant battle with injuries, it seems unlikely that the 20-time Grand Slam winner will be competing.
As of now, Nadal may aim to mark his return at his favourite venue, Roland Garros, a major he has won for a whopping 14 times, which is starting from May 2024.