‘Not ready to compete’: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s has confirmed the worst possible news for the Australian Open a week out from the grand slam.

Rafael Nadal claps the Brisbane crowd. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will miss the Australian Open, confirming he’s returning to Spain after suffering a “micro-tear” on a muscle.

Nadal, who has been sidelined since last years’ Australian Open, was on the comeback trail having suffered a hip injury.

2024 is expected to be the 22-time grand slam winner’s final year on the tour but Australian fans may well have seen the last of the Spanish champion.

Nadal had impressed at the Brisbane International with big wins over two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem and Aussie Jason Kubler, before he fell in the quarterfinal to Aussie Jordan Thompson in a 5-7 7-6 6-3 marathon.

“I think he played a good match. For me, it was not the best match, I had a lot of opportunities to win it,” Nadal said of the result.

“I need to accept that. After a year (of not playing), that’s normal.”

But a medical time out in the third set with attention on his upper thigh had fans worried that he may need to withdraw from the Australian Open.

While Nadal continued, he added that he wouldn’t know the extent of the injury until the next day.

Not what any tennis fan wanted to see. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Unfortunately for all tennis fans, he confirmed the injury would rule him out of Melbourne Park.

“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,” Nadal tweeted.

“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! Rafa.”

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… pic.twitter.com/FoFrr5AgMZ

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 7, 2024

This may be the last time we see Nadal on these shores. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz commented: “We are waiting for you in the next Rafa tournament! Get well soon!”

Two-time Aussie doubles grand slam champion Matt Ebden wrote: “Tough, sorry mate, heal well.”

Aussie doubles legend Paul McNamee tweeted: “Tough break for Rafa Nadal to miss the AO through injury, but Roland Garros was always the more realistic goal. Based on what we saw in Australia, he will be a contender there too.”

Tennis Australia CEO Cragi Tiley wrote: “It was wonderful to see you playing again Rafa, wishing you a speedy recovery.”

While it’s a blow for Australian tennis fans, it may not be the last we see of Nadal, despite the 37-year-old admitting there was a “high percentage” it would be his last time playing in Australia.

However, he refused to confirm it would definitely be the last time Aussies got to see him in the flesh.

“If I’m here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it’s going to be your last season,’ because I didn’t say it,” Nadal told reporters earlier in the week.

“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months. I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years.”

Nadal has previously said he expects this season to be his last, as well as revealing he had thought about retiring during his extended lay off due to his hip injury.

While this is not a good sign for the hopes of a fit Nadal throughout the season, Australian tennis fans can at least hope Rafa comes back.