Rafael Nadal's long-awaited return has already come to a halt.
The 37-year-old tennis legend announced Sunday that he has withdrawn from the 2024 Australian Open due to a new muscle injury to his surgically repaired hip.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, had just returned to the Brisbane International tournament for the first time in a year, but lost to Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals on Friday.
“Hello everyone. I had a small problem with a muscle during my last game in Brisbane and as you know I was worried. I had the opportunity to have an MRI after I arrived in Melbourne and it was confirmed that I had sustained an injury. There is a micro tear in the muscle, not in the part, which is good news,” Nadal wrote on social media.
“At the moment I am not ready to play in a five-set match with maximum intensity. I will see a doctor, undergo treatment and return to Spain to rest.
“I've been working very hard over the past year for this comeback. As I always say, my goal is to be at the highest level within three months.
“While it's sad news for me not to be able to play in front of a great Melbourne crowd, this isn't too bad news and we all remain positive about the evolution of this season.
“I really wanted to play here in Australia and I had the opportunity to play in some games, so it made me feel very happy and positive.
“Thank you everyone for your support. See you again!”
Nadal last played at the Australian Open in 2023, losing in the second round a year after winning the title at Melbourne Park.
Eventually, he underwent hip surgery in June to repair a damaged tendon.
Nadal said in May that 2024 will likely be his last year playing competitive tennis.
The 2024 Australian Open begins next week.
