Rafael Nadal, of Spain, listens to a question at a press conference ahead of the Rio Open ATP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014.Silvia Izquierdo/AP
Rafael Nadal supporters were left disappointed after the tennis star announced that he would not participate in this year’s Australian Open due to a hip injury.
The former World number one made the announcement on his official social media account on Sunday, January 8, 2024. The 37-year-old returned to the court winning his first two games in straight sets in Brisbane after he was initially sidelined for most of last year (2023).
He said a scan had shown a micro tear on a muscle but not in the same area as he had initially picked up an injury after his quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson on Friday., January 5, 2024.
He said,
“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 three months,” 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said on social media. 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 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!”
Rafael Nadal last played in a Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open when he struggled with an injury in his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald. This is the first time since 1999 without either Nadal or Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, featuring in the men’s singles main draw.
