Rafael Nadal shocked the tennis world when he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open after the latest injury setback.
The 36-year-old recently returned to competitive tennis, and he played really well at the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, surprising many with his level. However, what looked like a miraculous comeback soon turned into another disaster.
In his quarterfinal match, Nadal didn't use any of his three match points against Jordan Thompson, and lost the match, but what worried fans even more was the fact that he required medical assistance during the match.
After the match, he admitted that he wasn't sure whether he would be able to compete at the Australian Open, as all the time, the Spaniard avoided being too optimistic.
Now, we know why, as Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open, the tournament where he played his last Grand Slam match in 2023. He announced the news on social media, and even though it was clear that he was struggling with an injury, it caught many off-guard.
"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."
The most positive news for Nadal in this situation is the fact that it doesn't seem to be the same injury, which kept him out of play throughout the 2023 season. However, he still wouldn't be able to compete in the best-of-five format, and that's why he has decided to withdraw from the Australian Open and fly back to Spain.
"Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 sets matches. Therefore 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."
It's clear that Nadal will be targeting the Roland Garros and Paris Olympics in 2024, and even though he may have been able to compete with this condition in the past, this season is simply different, and the 22-time Grand Slam champion doesn't want to risk anything.
"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!"
Now, it will be about waiting when he returns to the tennis courts again, but with his focus on the Roland Garros and Olympics on the same courts, it can be expected that he will skip the Indian Wells and Miami Open, and return on the clay courts.
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