RAFA SAYS FAREWELL TO OZ

Injured Nadal looks to have played his last Aussie Open

RAFA NADAL looks likely to have played his last Australian Open after pulling out of this year’s tournament with a “micro tear” on his hip, suffered in Brisbane last week.

But the 22-time Grand Slam champion claimed the injury is “not very bad news” for the rest of his likely last season on the circuit.

And the Spanish superstar, who turns 38 in June, said he hopes to be in peak form for the start of the clay court season. Nadal injured his hip in his second round defeat at the 2023 Australian Open and underwent surgery on the psoas tendon in June.

He won two pain-free matches at his comeback event at the Brisbane International, but required medical treatment during his marathon quarter-final loss to world No.55 Jordan Thompson, where he failed to take three match points.

The two-time Australian Open champion revealed post-match that he was “a little bit more scared than usual” about the injury and yesterday announced on X he is heading home.

“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” he wrote. “Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have a 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 (demands) in five-sets matches.

“I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest. I have worked hard during the year for this comeback and as I mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in three months.

“Within the sad news for me 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.”

On his arrival Down Under, Nadal said 2024 would “probably” be his final season but his decision would depend on his health.

“It’s obvious that it’s a high percentage that it’s going to be my final time playing here in Australia,” he said.

The 14-time French Open winner (above) wanted to use the early season events to find his form in time for Roland Garros in May – and then the Paris Olympics at the same venue.

A post from the Australian Open on X said: “We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa. Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.”