Rafael Nadal suffers setback on injury return after withdrawing from Australian Open

Rafael Nadal suffered a setback on his return from a long-term hip injury on Sunday when it was announced he would miss the Australian Open following a “micro tear on a muscle” sustained at the Brisbane International.

Nadal, 37, had been sidelined since injuring his hip at the 2023 Australian Open, undergoing surgery before making his comeback in Brisbane, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Jordan Thompson.

During his match against Thompson, Nadal called for the trainer after feeling pain in his upper left thigh, and the Spaniard has revealed that the injury is separate from his hip issues.

“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“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 five-set matches. I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion added: “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!”

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