'I really wanted to play' - Rafael Nadal withdraws from 2024 Australian Open with muscle injury
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Updated 07/01/2024 at 09:58 GMT
The tennis world had been waiting to see Rafael Nadal return at a Grand Slam but they will have to wait a little longer now with the news that the Spaniard will be withdrawing from the 2024 Australian Open. Nadal confirmed the news on Sunday saying that he had suffered "a micro tear" in his muscle and while it wasn't in the same place as his hip injury it was enough to rule him out of Melbourne.
'Not 100% sure of anything' - Nadal refuses to commit to Australian Open appearance
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal confirmed on Sunday morning that he would miss the upcoming 2024 Australian Open with a minor muscle injury.
Nadal had made his comeback from a hip injury earlier in the Australian calendar, playing competitive tennis for the first time in nearly a year, making a decent run at the Brisbane International before being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Jordan Thompson.
There were concerns at the end of that game that Nadal had suffered another injury, with the Spaniard in some discomfort.
Although he was optimistic, he has now confirmed that whilst the "micro tear" on his muscle was not in the same place as the hip injury it did mean he could not play a five-set game so he would withdraw from the Australian Open and return to Spain.
Nadal wrote: "Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried. 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-set 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, a two-time Australian Open champion in 2009 and 2022, has not played in a Grand Slam since last year's tournament in Melbourne, where he was the defending champion.
He was shocked by the American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round, where his hip injury flared up.
The Spaniard pulled up at 4-6 3-5 down, and needed an off-court medical timeout before returning for the third and final set, which he dropped 7-5.
Nadal then spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines before returning in Brisbane.
He will now visit his doctor for an assessment before making plans for the remainder of 2024.
Broady out of Australian Open
Liam Broady, the Briton, has also pulled out of the year's first Grand Slam.
The Stockport-born world No. 93 cited bone stress in his ankle as the reason for his Melbourne absence, stating that the injury worsened when he played at the Hong Kong Open, where he made the last 16, losing to top seed Andrey Rublev 6-4 7-6(8).
In a statement, Broady said: "Sad to say I have had to withdraw from the AO.
"I have two bone stresses in my ankle that got worse in Hong Kong until I felt I couldn't move properly on court in my last match.
"When I arrived in Melbourne I got an MRI which confirmed what the pain was.
"If I continue to play there's a high chance they could become fractures and instead of a month out it could be three.
"Although tempting to play injured and take full prize money I felt it wasn't right when other competitors have a better chance fully fit.
"Special thank you also to the AO and ATP for still giving me the full Travel Grant.
"Not mandatory but given to help me out with costs of the trip."
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