Carlos Alcaraz expressed his heartfelt message to Rafael Nadal following the former world no.1's decision to withdraw from the Australian Open 2024 due to injury. Nadal, who had recently returned to competition after a year-long break, disclosed that he faced a setback with a micro tear in his muscle during the quarter-final defeat at the Brisbane International. The Spaniard confirmed that he had to withdraw from the Australian Open due to this fresh injury.
"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," Nadal said in an emotional Instagram post on January 7."
"Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 set-matches. Therefore I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest."
"I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months," the 37-year-old said.
Messages of support have flooded in for the former world no.1, with Alcaraz sharing a heartfelt message. The Spaniard said that everyone is eager to witness Nadal's return in the upcoming tournament.
"We are waiting for you in the next Rafa tournament! Get well soon!" said Alcaraz on Nadal's Instagram post.
Not very bad news: Rafael Nadal allays fears of prolonged absence
Despite the setback, Nadal confirmed that it wasn't entirely 'bad news' and expressed hopes for a swift return to the court.
"I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months. Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.”
"I really wanted to play here in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive," Nadal said.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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