By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) – Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal confirmed on Sunday that he withdrew from the 2024 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, for a minor muscle injury.
"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. Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 sets matches. I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest," Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, said on X.
The 37-year-old said that he is sad "not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds," and thanked his fans for their support.
The 2024 Australian Open will start on Jan. 14.
Nadal, who secured 22 Grand Slam titles in men's singles, was victorious in Melbourne in 2009 and 2022.
His Serbian rival Novak Djokovic is the record holder in Melbourne, as the 36-year-old won his record-extending 10th Australian Open men's singles title in 2023.