According to Rafael Nadal, he won't be at the Australian Open

After being hurt in his Brisbane International quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson on Friday, Rafael Nadal stated via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will not be participating in the Australian Open.

The 22-time grand slam champion claimed to have suffered a "micro tear on a muscle" on Sunday, although it wasn't the same as the hip issue that kept him out of action for the whole of the previous campaign.

“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest,” he added.

Nadal began his much-awaited injury comeback at the Brisbane International, ramping up his training for the Australian Open and his return to grand slam competition following nearly a year off the court.

After undergoing hip surgery in June of last year, he had not played since the Australian Open, and he was sidelined for the remainder of 2023. 

January 14 marks the start of the Australian Open.