Rafael Nadal, a titan in the world of tennis, is set to miss the upcoming Australian Open as he returns to Spain for treatment on a hip injury sustained at the Brisbane International.
The 37-year-old tennis maestro, who has been grappling with injuries, made a remarkable return to the court this week in Brisbane, winning his first two matches in straight sets. However, a quarter-final defeat to Jordan Thompson saw Nadal suffer a new setback. Witness the best tennis game ever with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
The injury, a micro tear on a muscle, is thankfully not in the same area as his previous long-term issue. Despite this, Nadal has admitted he is “not ready to compete at the maximum level”.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express his disappointment but remained positive about his recovery, stating, “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.”
Nadal, who missed the French Open last year for the first time in nearly two decades, has hinted that 2024 might mark the end of his illustrious career. This raises the possibility that he may have already played his last Australian Open, a tournament he has won twice.
Despite the setback, Nadal’s recent injury appears less severe than initially feared. “I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback,” Nadal reflected, acknowledging his rigorous effort to return to top form. His focus is now on the French Open, starting on 20 May, where he hopes to add to his record 14 titles.
Nadal’s absence from the Australian Open, commencing on 14 January, marks a significant shift in the tennis landscape. This will be the first Australian Open since 1999 without either Nadal or Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, in the men’s singles main draw. Nadal’s last Grand Slam appearance was at the 2023 Australian Open, where he struggled with injury in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald. Following a hip operation in June, Nadal, once the world number one, has fallen to 672nd in the rankings.
As Nadal embarks on his journey to recovery, his absence in Melbourne will be deeply felt by fans and fellow players alike. Yet, the spirit of this tennis legend remains unbroken, as he gears up for what could be his final appearances on the world stage, starting with the French Open, where he has reigned supreme for over a decade. Nadal’s resilience and dedication continue to inspire, as he navigates through one of the most challenging phases of his career. Get the latest updates from the world of tennis only on Nextbet Sports.
