‘I am not ready’: Rafael Nadal to miss Australian Open after new muscle tear

Rafael Nadal Withdraws from Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not be participating in the Australian Open after undergoing an MRI scan that revealed a micro tear on a muscle. The injury occurred during the Brisbane International, where Nadal made his comeback after being sidelined with injury for almost a year. The 37-year-old's withdrawal has raised questions about whether this could be his last professional match in Australia.

In January last year, Nadal suffered an injury at the Australian Open. After undergoing surgery on his left hip in June, he returned to the court in Brisbane. Prior to his comeback, Nadal had expressed that there was a high probability that this season could be his last. While this recent setback is unrelated to his previous hip problem, Nadal determined that he is not fit enough to compete at the first major tournament of the year.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to play in front of the crowds in Melbourne, Nadal remains positive and is focused on his recovery. He plans to return to Spain to receive treatment and rest in order to reach his best level of play in three months. His time in Brisbane showcased his potential, as he defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarter-finals.

Nadal's Injury and Statement

During his match in Brisbane, Nadal experienced a small problem with a muscle. Upon arriving in Melbourne, he underwent an MRI which revealed a micro tear in a different part of the muscle from his previous injury. This news is seen as a positive development, but Nadal recognizes that he is not currently prepared to compete in five-set matches at the highest level. As a result, he has decided to return to Spain to consult with his doctor and undergo treatment.

Despite the setback, Nadal remains optimistic about the rest of the season. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in Australia and emphasized the positive impact that a few matches had on his mindset. While he is disappointed to miss out on playing in front of the Melbourne crowds, he believes that this setback is only a temporary obstacle.

Other Withdrawals from the Australian Open

In addition to Nadal, another player, Liam Broady, has also withdrawn from the Australian Open. Broady cited an ankle injury as the reason for his withdrawal, revealing that he has two bone stresses in his ankle that could potentially develop into fractures if he continues to play. By withdrawing, Broady hopes to give himself time to properly recover and avoid further complications. With these recent withdrawals, the Australian Open continues to face challenges as top players contend with injuries.