Rafa Nadal news leaves tennis world shattered in awful Australian Open development
Rafa Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open after suffering a tear in his hip, sparking fears for the Spanish champion’s future in tennis. Nadal suffered the injury in his loss to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International on Friday night, and initially downplayed the issue.
But it came to light on Sunday night that the 22-time grand slam champion won’t be able to play the Australian Open. In a positive twist, it’s not the same injury that saw Nadal miss 12 months of action following the Australian Open last year.
“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” he posted on social media. “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 [excellence’ in five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”
Nadal has stated that 2024 will probably be his last year in professional tennis. But his latest injury setback will inevitably spark fears that he’ll be forced to call it quits sooner rather than later.
On Sunday night, the Spaniard said his main focus remains the French Open in May, which he has won a record 14 times. “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 three months,” he wrote.
“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.”
