Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open after suffering a “small problem” on Friday after just making his comeback to the sport almost after a year, Daily Mail reported. 

The 37-year-old Spanish tennis pro broke fans’ hearts on Sunday, as he announced that he suffered a muscle tear during his three-set defeat to Australian tennis player Jordan Thompson in Brisbane on Friday night.

He revealed that as a result of the unfortunate injury he is unable to “compete at the maximum level” in Melbourne.

“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” he said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

“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. Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in 5 sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”

Tennis fans were excited for Nadal’s return to the main stage after a year out due to a hip injury.

Nadal had made an impressive return in Brisbane, defeating Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem and Australian tennis player Jason Kubler. However, his recent injury setback presents a major obstacle to his plans for a farewell tour in 2024.

Despite announcing his exit, Nadal reminded his fans that “my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months”.

He continued: “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. Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa.”

Nadal’s absence in Melbourne’s Australian Open is a significant setback for tournament director Craig Tilley, who had hoped for a star-studded lineup following Novak Djokovic’s victory last year.