2023 Australian Open Update: Rafael Nadal’s Muscle Tear Injury Affects Ranking

Barely a week after returning from a year-long injury layoff, Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Australian Open on Sunday due to a “micro tear on a muscle,” but he insisted he was still optimistic.

The 37-year-old was forced to miss the Australian Open in 2023 due to a hip injury. Prior to competing at the Brisbane International, he underwent surgery.

Rafael Nadal was forced to need a medical break at the conclusion of his quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson of Australia because of soreness in his upper left thigh, despite winning his first two matches in straight sets and being in good form.

In his post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said, “During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small problem with a muscle that, as you know, made me worried.

“After arriving in Melbourne, I had the opportunity to get an MRI, and it revealed that I had a micro tear in a muscle though not in the same area as the injury and that’s good news.

“Right now, I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment, and rest.”
Given that he stated there was a “high percentage” that 2024 would be his final year on the tour, his absence from the Australian Open may indicate that this is his final appearance at Melbourne Park.

When asked if he would play again after this season, he stated in Brisbane that his health would be the determining factor.

The Australian Open said on its official X feed: “We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa,” “Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon.”

A knee concern also looms for longtime rival and world no. 1 Novak Djokovic ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam.

“I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open,” the Serbian stated, despite requiring medical attention for a bothersome right wrist at last week’s United Cup.

Over the course of his record-breaking career, injuries have been a recurrent theme. His all-action, brutal-hitting style has caused terrible side effects that have led to serious knee, wrist, and foot problems. In Brisbane, the 22-time Grand Slam winner emphasized that he did not enter the competition with the intention of winning and made a suggestion that the Australian Open might come too soon.

He also said in his comment, “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 three months.

“Although I am disappointed to not be able to perform for the incredible Melbourne audiences, this is not terrible news, and we are all very optimistic about how the season is going.

He said, “I have had the opportunity to play a few matches that have made me very happy and positive. I really wanted to play here in Australia. I appreciate your support, and I’ll see you soon.”

Rafael Nadal was a dominant force at the French Open throughout his career, winning 14 majors there. He became the competition’s oldest winner in 2022 after winning his first major just a few days after turning 19 in 2005. There was a 13-year lapse between his first triumph at Melbourne Park in 2009 and his second in 2022.

He has won the US Open four times, Wimbledon twice in 2008 and 2010, and the Australian Open twice. Due to the injury, Rafael Nadal’s ranking dropped to 672, and rival Novak Djokovic overtook him with 24 Grand Slam victories.