Rafael Nadal out of Australian Open due to muscle tear

Rafael Nadal has announced he’ll be flying back to Spain to recover from a micro tear suffered in Brisbane this week

January 7, 2024

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announced today that he will not be competing in the 2024 Australian Open due to injury.

In a post on X, the Spaniard explained that recent MRI results have revealed a small muscle tear.

“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal said in the post. “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.”

As many had suspected, Nadal’s primary focus in 2024 is to be fit for the clay court season.

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… pic.twitter.com/WpApfzjf3C
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 7, 2024

Withdrawing from the Australian Open due to a micro tear a week ahead of play seems to be a precautionary step in order to keep this priority alive. Nadal went on to explain that despite the withdrawal from Australia, he’s not viewing this as a backwards step.

“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,” said Nadal.

“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.”