Rafael Nadal, who made his comeback this week in Brisbane, has withdrawn from the Australian Open. The Spaniard announced the news 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,” Nadal wrote. “Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 sets matches. Therefore I am flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.
“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. 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! Rafa”
After losing in the second round of last year’s Australian Open, Nadal did not compete for the rest of the season due to injury. The lefty returned this week in Brisbane, where he defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler in straight sets before falling to Jordan Thompson.
