Nadal announced that his injury would prevent him from playing in Melbourne.
22-time Grand Slam winner and 2-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal has announced that he will miss the 2024 tournament due to a fresh muscular problem.
The Spaniard was expected to make a comeback through the Australian Open after recovering from a hip injury. He participated in this year’s Brisbane International. Nadal also missed last year’s Australian Open after undergoing surgery.
Nadal shared his disappointment on Twitter and announced that his injury would prevent him from playing in Melbourne. The 37-year-old said, “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/WpApfzjf3C— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 7, 2024
“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in five 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! Rafa.”
Frenchman Quentin Halys has been promoted to the main draw from qualifying. The Australian Open begins on January 14 and Djokovic is favourites to win his 11th Australian Open title.
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