Nadal to miss Australian Open
Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal on Sunday pulled out of the Australian Open with a 'micro tear on a muscle' barely a week after making his comeback from a year-long injury absence.
Image Source: Reuters
A return cut short
The 37-year-old had been out of the game since injuring his hip at the 2023 Australian Open, undergoing surgery before making his return at the Brisbane International.
Image Source: AFP
Quarters exit in Brisbane
Nadal won his opening two matches in straight sets and looked in good touch in Brisbane, but needed a medical timeout towards the end of his quarters loss after feeling pain in his upper left thigh.
Image Source: AFP
'Right now I am not ready'
"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," Nadal said.
Image Source: AFP
No Aus Open for Nadal ahead!
Nadal's absence from the Australian Open could mean he has played at Melbourne Park for the last time, having said there was a 'high percentage' that 2024 would be his farewell to the tour.
Image Source: AFP
Injury woes for Nadal
Injuries have been a recurring theme of Nadal's record-breaking career, a painful by-product of his all-action, brutal-hitting style that has led to struggles with serious knee, wrist and foot problems.
Image Source: AFP
A return made too soon?
The 22-time Grand Slam champion stressed in Brisbane that he did not come into the tournament expecting to win, and hinted that the Australian Open might come too soon.
Image Source: AFP
Djokovic injury scare
Long-time rival and world number one Novak Djokovic also has an injury cloud hanging over him ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season.
Image Source: Getty Images
Touch and go for Djokovic
The Serbian needed treatment on a troublesome right wrist during the United Cup last week, but said: "I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open."
Image Source: AP
Djokovic ahead
Earlier, the absence due to injury saw Nadal's ranking slip to 672 while rival Djokovic has passed him in the Grand Slam title count with 24.
Image Source: AFP
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