Rafael Nadal, who returned to the courts in Brisbane after a long-term injury, was again a victim of injury. The Spanish tennis player announced his withdrawal from the Australian Open in a statement. "In my last match in Brisbane, as you know, I had a small problem in my muscles that worried me.
When I arrived in Melbourne I had the chance to have an MRI and I have a micro-tear in my muscle. At the moment I'm not ready to compete at maximum level in 5-set matches. I'm flying to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.
It's sad news for me not to play in front of the great Melbourne crowd. Thank you all for your support."
The Spanish tennis player was eliminated from the tournament after losing 2-1 to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane International. The main table matches at the Australian Open will start on Sunday, January 14.
