Nadal withdraws from Australian Open due to muscle tear

SYDNEY -- Spain's tennis legend Rafael Nadal on Sunday announced his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open after suffering "a small problem on a muscle" during his last match at the Brisbane International.

"Once I got to Melbourne I 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," Nadal revealed on social media.

"Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level in five-set matches. Therefore, I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest," he said.

Nadal also noted that he had worked hard during the year to make a comeback, adding that his goal is to be "at my best level in three months."

"[Despite] the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, we all remain positive for the season," he added.

On Friday, the former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered a 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3 loss to Jordan Thompson of Australia in the quarterfinal of the Brisbane International. Nadal took a medical timeout in the final set, fueling speculation over his condition.

"I feel the muscle [was] tired. For sure it is not the same like last year, because when it happened last year, I felt something drastic immediately. Today I didn't feel anything. The only problem is because the place is the same, you are a little bit more scared than usual," the 37-year-old said at the post-match conference.

The 2024 Australian Open takes place from January 14 to 28.