Rafa Nadal pulls out of Australian Open in huge blow to tennis fans before making bizarre claim about latest injury

RAFAEL NADAL has withdrawn from the Australian Open.

The Spaniard, 37, only recently returned to action after nearly a year on the sidelines.

Reuters

Rafael Nadal suffered an injury during his comeback tournament in Brisbane[/caption]

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Nadal,37, required a medical timeout during his defeat to Jordan Thompson[/caption]

Former world No1 Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler in straight sets during his comeback tournament in Brisbane.

He was then beaten by Aussie Jordan Thompson in three tight sets, requiring a medical timeout for a muscular injury during the third.

Confirming his decision to withdraw from the Australian Open, the 22-time Grand Slam winner admitted that he believes the outcome is “good news” as it was not linked to the hip injury that kept him out for nearly all of 2023.

He wrote on social media: “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 5 sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”

Nadal then admitted that, as suspected, his aim this season is to peak during the clay court season that he has traditionally dominated.

He 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 3 months.

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“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!”

While Nadal will not be able to take to the courts at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open will be boosted by a number of stars on the comeback trail.

Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu are both set to be in the women’s draw after lengthy absences, while Amanda Anisimova and Angelique Kerber will also return.

In the men’s draw Carlos Alcaraz will head to Melbourne Park for the first time as a Grand Slam champion, having missed last year’s event due to injury.

Alcaraz, 20, will be among the favourites for the men’s singles title alongside the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner.

But it will be hard to look beyond perennial Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, despite his recent defeat to Alex De Minaur.

In the women’s draw, world No1 Iga Swiatek has looked in devastating form in the United Cup.

While last year’s runner-up Elena Rybakina destroyed the 2023 Aussie Open champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-0, 6-3 in Brisbane, in a repeat of last year’s final.

AP

Novak Djokovic has traditionally dominated in Melbourne[/caption]

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Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka has already been practising at Melbourne Park[/caption]