Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Australian Open With Hip Muscle Injury, Comeback on Hold

Rafael Nadal of Spain looks dejected between games in his quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, on Jan. 5, 2024. Tertius Pickard/AP Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia—Rafael Nadal’s comeback from hip surgery is on hold after he withdrew from the Australian Open with an injury a week before the start of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.

The 22-time major champion said Sunday on social media that medical tests he took in Melbourne revealed a small tear in a hip muscle and he would fly home to Spain for treatment.