Rafael Nadal will not play in the 2024 Australian Open, having returned to Spain to receive treatment on his troublesome hip.
The two-time champion at Melbourne Park made his return to tennis after a near 12-month absence at the Brisbane International, losing at the quarter-final stage in three sets to Australian Jordan Thompson.
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During the match, Nadal required treatment having appeared to reaggravate the hip injury that sidelined him for almost the entirety of 2023.
He has since taken to social media to confirm he will miss the Australian Open, a major blow to the tournament where the popular 37-year old was set to be a major drawcard in what could be his final tour down under.
“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal wrote. “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.”
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