Australian Open 2023: Rafael Nadal withdraws due to injury sustained at Brisbane International

Fan-favourite and 22-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the Brisbane International.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain leaves the court for medical treatment in his match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during day six of the 2024 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre on January 05, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner and two-time champion at Melbourne Park announced on Sunday night he had withdrawn from the tournament, set to begin this week, due to a “micro tear” he suffered during his Brisbane International quarter-final defeat to Australian Jordan Thompson.

“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal wrote on X.

“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! Rafa.”

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

Nadal was on the comeback trail from a 12-month injury lay-off that began when he injured his hip in a second round loss at the 2023 Australian Open.

The Spanish superstar underwent hip surgery in June and last week conceded he contemplated retirement while struggling to return to fitness.

His first matches back on tour came in Brisbane last week, where he defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler before falling to Thompson in Friday night’s marathon quarter-final.

Nadal was clearly troubled by an injury late in his defeat to Thompson.

His comments after the match hinted at his concern about the injury.

Last week the 37-year-old said he was unsure whether this would be his last year on the tour.

He said his health would be the deciding factor in any decision to continue playing.

“It’s obvious that it’s a high percentage that’s going to be my last time playing here in Australia,” Nadal said before the Brisbane tournament.

“But if I am here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it’s going to be your last season’ because I didn’t say it.

“It’s not an easy decision, but I know inside myself that is a high percentage it’s going to be my last one.”

With his Australian Open withdrawal, we may never again watch one of the sport’s all-time greats grace a tennis court Down Under.