Two-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the tournament that begins January 14 due to a hip injury sustained at the Brisbane International.
Despite his return to tennis Down Under after nearly a year on the sidelines, the 37-year-old couldn’t progress beyond a quarter-final match with Jordan Thompson. Nadal disclosed a scan revealed a micro-tear in a muscle, though not in the same area as his previous long-term injury. Expressing disappointment on social media, he stated, “While it’s saddening to miss playing in front of the incredible Melbourne crowds, I remain optimistic about the season’s progression. Although I yearned to compete in Australia, the few matches I played brought joy and positivity.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will embark on a recovery period, aiming to regain fitness for a potential appearance in the May’s French Open. Nadal, a 14-time victor at the European tournament, acknowledges that 2024 might mark the culmination of his illustrious career. Having missed the 2023 French Open, breaking a streak of 19 consecutive appearances, Nadal’s recurring hip injuries are posing challenges to competing at his optimal level.
The Australian Open, beginning January 14, will witness Novak Djokovic defending his title against the challenge posed by Carlos Alcaraz.
