Rafael Nadal’s injury nightmare continues unabated with the Spanish star forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after suffering an injury during his quarter final loss at the Brisbane International.
The Sporting News provides the details about Rafael Nadal's absence from Aus Open 2024.
Why is Rafael Nadal not playing the Australian Open?
Nadal’s future has been the subject of conjecture in recent years as injuries have plagued him in the twilight of his career.
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The 37-year-old fought back from hip surgery to get back in the frame for the Aus Open, which he last won in 2022.
Although Nadal admitted just days before his latest injury issue that he had contemplated retirement during his rehab.
"I did not miss the competition because all this time my body was not ready to compete," Nadal said.
"What I miss is to be healthy ... to wake up and don't have pain.
"Have the chance to have a normal life, because during the last year, for such a lot of months, I was not able to have a normal life and enjoy playing golf or doing the normal things that I like to do with my friends or with my family.
"If I thought about retirement during that period of time, of course yes."
In the warm-up tournament in Queensland, Nadal’s impressive early form, which saw him earn a standing ovation from the crowd after beating fellow slam champion Dominic Thiem, came to a premature end as yet another injury setback halted his comeback.
The 22-time grand slam champion was set to make his long-awaited return at the Aus Open after spending almost a year on the sidelines.
However, the veteran revealed on the eve of the tournament that he wouldn’t play due to suffering a muscle tear during his defeat to Jordan Thompson.
"During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried," Nadal posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, just a week before the Aus Open started.
"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.
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.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 7, 2024
Right… pic.twitter.com/WpApfzjf3C
"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."
Rafael Nadal injury updates: Latest news on Spanish star
Nadal’s injury marks the second-straight disappointing trip Down Under for him, after his career came to a standstill at last year's Aus Open, where he sustained a hip injury during his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald.
His withdrawal from the first grand slam of the season likely means the Brisbane International practice matches were the final time Aussie fans had to see Nadal live in action.
The Spaniard has reportedly earmarked the end of 2024 as his retirement date, previously citing how he wanted to "try and enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important to me."
Following the disappointing news of his withdrawal, Nadal revealed he would return to Spain to consult with his doctor and receive treatment ahead of a possible return.
"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," Nadal added on his social media post.
The next grand slam takes place in May at the French Open, where Nadal has claimed 14 titles at Roland-Garros during his illustrious career.