Tennis icon Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Australian Open, dealing a blow to fans eagerly anticipating his return. The decision comes just a week before the prestigious tournament’s kick-off, with Nadal expressing concerns over his surgically repaired hip.
Nadal, a 22-time major winner, made a comeback at the Brisbane International but faced a quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson. Initially attributing his struggles to a potential muscular problem, post-match scans in Melbourne revealed a small tear in the muscle, prompting the Spaniard to cut short his Australian campaign and return to Spain for urgent treatment.
Taking to social media, Nadal shared his disappointment, stating, “Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level.” Despite the setback, he maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging the support of fans and expressing gratitude for the chance to play in Australia.
The 37-year-old’s Brisbane journey showcased a mix of triumphs and challenges. While he clinched victories in his first two competitive matches in a year, the quarterfinal defeat, marked by uncharacteristic errors, highlighted the toll on his physical condition.
With the Australian Open set to commence on January 14 at Melbourne Park, the absence of Nadal adds a layer of uncertainty to the tournament’s dynamics. Novak Djokovic, holding a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, emerges as the frontrunner in Nadal’s absence, intensifying the competition for tennis glory Down Under.