Sad reality in Nadal’s latest injury news

RAFAEL Nadal’s latest injury blow and subsequent withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open is the latest blow for organisers already missing one of the tournament’s biggest stars.

Nadal, who had overcome a hip injury to head down under for the 2024 Australian Open, revealed he suffered a muscle “micro tear” playing the Brisbane International this week.

While it’s a different injury to the one the 37-year-old had been battling for the last year, it’s enough to see him fly home to Spain before stepping foot on Rod Laver Arena.

“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal said on social media.

“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.

“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in five sets matches. 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 three 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.

“Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa.”

Nadal has already indicated the 2024 season would be his last, meaning Aussie fans have likely seen the last of the determined Spaniard in a professional sense.

Speaking last week, he acknowledged there was a “high percentage” this trip was the final time he’d grace an Australian court as a player.

However, he did add, “The problem about saying that’s going to be my last season is I can’t predict what’s going on 100 percent in the future.”

Nadal, a dual winner of the Australian Open, was set to be a major factor in the tournament as a fan favourite.

But his absence adds to the list of drawcards that won’t be at Melbourne Park this summer.

Big-serving Australian Nick Kyrgios won’t play for the second consecutive year as a wrist injury continues to prove a hindrance.

Kyrgios and Nadal are arguably the two biggest rating players for Australian audiences.

The likes of Karolina Muchova, Madison Keys, Belinda Bencic and Petra Kvitova will also miss the first Grand Slam of 2024 for a variety of reasons.

The 2024 Australian Open runs from 14-28 January, getting underway on a Sunday for the first time in the tournament’s history.

– SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN