Carlos Alcaraz sent a heartfelt message to Rafael Nadal after the former World No.1 decided to pull out of the Australian Open 2024. Nadal suffered a setback during his comeback at the Brisbane International.
Carlos Alcaraz posted a heartfelt message to Rafael Nadal after the former World No.1 decided to withdraw from the Australian Open 2024 due to injury.
Nadal, who had just made his comeback after a year-long hiatus, revealed he suffered a setback due to a micro tear in his muscle during his quarter-final defeat in Brisbane International.
The Spaniard went on to confirm that he would have to confirm he had to pull out of the Australian Open as a result of the fresh injury.
“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 said in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, January 7.”
“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 set-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,” said Nadal.
Wishes have been pouring in for the former World No.1 with Alcaraz posting a heartfelt message. The Spaniard said that everyone is waiting to see Nadal in the next tournament.
“We are waiting for you in the next Rafa tournament! Get well soon!” said Alcaraz on Nadal’s Instagram post.
Not very bad news: Rafael Nadal allays fears of prolonged absence
Despite the setback, Nadal would confirm that it wasn’t all ‘bad news’ and is hoping to make a swift return to the court.
“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,” Nadal said.
