Rafael Nadal will miss the upcoming Australian Open after sustaining a hip injury during the Brisbane International. The 37-year-old, making a comeback after almost a year out with injuries, won his first two matches in Brisbane but suffered the injury in the quarter-final against Jordan Thompson. 

A scan revealed a micro tear on a muscle, but not in the same area as his previous long-term injury. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, expressed disappointment at not being ready to compete at the highest level but described the result as “good news” compared to his initial fears. 

He mentioned his goal of being at his best level in three months, indicating a focus on returning to fitness for the French Open in May.

This setback adds to Nadal’s recent struggles with injuries, having missed the 2023 French Open for the first time in 19 years and undergoing left hip surgery in June of the same year. The Spaniard, who hinted that 2024 might be the final year of his career, will now target a return to competitive tennis while prioritizing recovery and rehabilitation.

Nadal, who is expected to stay in Spain for treatment and recovery, expressed gratitude for the support and positive experiences in Australia, where he was keen to play but acknowledged the need to remain optimistic about the upcoming season. The Australian Open, starting on January 14, will miss the presence of Nadal and Roger Federer, marking the first time since 1999 that neither player will feature in the men’s singles main draw.

Fans will now wait for updates on Nadal’s recovery as he aims to regain full fitness and potentially extend his illustrious career, especially with a focus on the French Open, where he has been a record 14-time champion. Despite the setback, Nadal remains determined and optimistic about the evolution of his season. Hopefully, he should be available to play when it’s time for the French Open.  

Leon Osamor