Throughout his career, Rafael Nadal has suffered from injuries. Various ailments over the years have slowed him down but have never managed to stop him: his 22 grand slam trophies, the second-highest mark in history, prove it.
However, in his expected return at the ATP 250 in Brisbane, the 37-year-old Spaniard suffered a new injury that will force him to the sidelines again and keep him out of the 2024 Australian Open.
The Sporting News has all the details of the former world No. 1's injury and when he could return to the courts.
MORE: The eight men who have toppled Djokovic in the Australian Open
Rafael Nadal injury update
On Sunday, January 7, just a few days after being eliminated from the ATP 250 in Brisbane by Australian Jordan Thompson, Nadal announced that he is suffering from a new injury and will be off the court again indefinitely.
Nadal wrote on social media:
"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. 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!"
MORE: Who is the world No.1 in men's tennis? Updated ATP rankings
How long is Rafael Nadal out?
Rafael Nadal's new injury raises a huge question about what his next tournament will be.
As he noted in his post, it has been clear from the outset that Nadal's primary focus for 2024 would be competing at Roland Garros. The ATP's clay-court season begins in earnest in mid-April, with major tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome on tap before the French Open begins on May 26.
Being match-fit for those events will presumably be Nadal's focus as he recovers.