Injury Forces Rafael Nadal to Withdraw from Australian Open 2024

Spanish tennis sensation Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open following a minor muscle injury sustained during his recent match against Jordan Thompson in Brisbane on Friday.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner confirmed on Sunday that he incurred a muscle tear, necessitating some time on the sidelines to recover.

Despite a 12-month absence from competition, the 37-year-old made a return, engaging in one doubles and two singles matches within the last 15 days. Known for battling through injuries throughout his illustrious career, Nadal has frequently powered through pain to achieve greatness on the court.

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Nadal took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce that he experienced discomfort during his last match in Brisbane, prompting an MRI. The results revealed a minor muscle tear, situated in a different area than his previous injury, which he considered positive news.

“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,” Nadal stated.

Regrettably, Nadal declared that it would be impractical for him to continue, expressing his inability to compete in five-set matches. He announced his decision to fly back to Spain for treatment from his doctor.

The tennis icon had earlier expressed his desire to participate in the Paris Olympics, but given his injury-prone condition, it appears unlikely that he will compete this year.

Turning 38 in June, Nadal is now targeting a comeback at Roland Garros in May 2024, where he has previously clinched the major title a remarkable 14 times.