Almost expected: Nadal cancels Australian Open!
Things didn't look good in his defeat in Brisbane against Jordan Thompson, but now there is sad certainty: Rafael Nadal will NOT start at the Australian Open. The Spaniard is already on his way home.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Jan 07, 2024, 11:05 am
Rafael Nadal has to cancel the Australian Open. He explained his decision in a long statement on social media.
Here is his message to his fans in the German translation:
"Hello everyone, during my last game in Brisbane I had a small problem with a muscle which as you know has been causing me concern. When I arrived in Melbourne I had the opportunity to have an MRI and I have one Micro-tear in a muscle, not the part where I had the injury, and that's good news.
At the moment I'm not ready to give maximum performance in five-set matches. That's why I'm now flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get treatment and rest.
I've worked very hard all year for this comeback and as I've always said, my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months.
Although it's sad for me that I won't be able to play in front of the fantastic crowd in Melbourne, it's not bad news and we're all positive about how the season will develop.
I really wanted to play here in Australia and I had the chance to play a few games that made me very happy and positive.
Thanks to everyone for the support and see you soon! Rafa "
And here is his message in the original:
The Spaniard left it open when his comeback will continue and will probably only be determined after the examinations in Spain. But his focus should still be clearly on the French Open and the Olympic Games. And the Mallorcan has not lost his optimism. We keep our fingers crossed for Rafa!
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