Nadal ruled out of Australian Open with injury
22-time Grand Slam champion to miss Melbourne Park after Brisbane setback
The Spaniard suffered a muscle tear in his left leg during his second-round match against Jack Draper at the Brisbane International. He underwent an MRI scan on Monday which confirmed the extent of the injury.
Nadal, who won the Australian Open in 2022, was due to begin his 2023 campaign at Melbourne Park on January 16. He has now withdrawn from the tournament and will return to Spain to seek treatment.
"I am very sad to announce that I will not be able to compete in the Australian Open this year," Nadal said in a statement. "I suffered a muscle tear in my left leg during my second-round match in Brisbane and the MRI scan this morning confirmed the extent of the injury."
"I have been working hard to get back to my best form after a challenging few months and I am very disappointed to have to miss the Australian Open."
Nadal's withdrawal is a major blow to the Australian Open. The Spaniard is one of the most popular players in the world and his absence will be keenly felt by fans.
The Australian Open will now take place from January 16-29 without one of its biggest stars.
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