New Delhi, Jan 7: In a disappointing turn of events for tennis fans worldwide, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open. The decision comes after the Spanish player suffered a small muscle tear during the Brisbane International last week.
Taking to social media on Sunday, Nadal shared the unfortunate news, explaining that the muscle injury occurred in his last match in Brisbane, prompting concerns. Subsequent medical examinations in Melbourne revealed a micro tear in a muscle, albeit not in the same area as his previous injury.
“In Melbourne, I have had the chance to make an MRI, and I have a micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury, and that’s good news,” stated Nadal in his announcement.
Expressing his current physical limitations, Nadal conveyed that he is not prepared to compete at the demanding level required for five-set matches. He revealed plans to return to Spain for consultation with his doctor, seeking treatment and rest.
Nadal’s return to competitive tennis in Brisbane marked a much-anticipated comeback after nearly a year on the sidelines due to a hip flexor injury sustained at the Australian Open in January the previous year. The 37-year-old showcased impressive form in Brisbane, defeating Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarter-finals. However, his journey was cut short in a challenging quarter-final match against Australian Jordan Thompson, where he struggled with a leg issue during the three-and-a-half-hour contest on Friday night.
