Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open after struggling an damage within the Brisbane International, which was alleged to be his warm-up for a return to Melbourne Park.

Nadal confirmed on Sunday evening he had undergone an MRI which revealed he had suffered a “micro tear on a muscle” throughout his loss to Aussie Jordan Thompson, and can fly again to Spain to obtain therapy.

The 22-time slam champion was set to be an unseeded entrant into the season-opening grand slam, that means he wouldn’t have been shielded from a first-round match in opposition to a seeded rival – equivalent to Novak Djokovic.

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Nadal missed the final 12 months of tennis following a hip damage throughout his second spherical loss eventually yr’s Australian Open.

While the damage just isn’t extreme, that means he’s hopeful of returning to the courtroom later this yr, he won’t seem at what many anticipated can be his ultimate Australian Open.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios, who has additionally been sidelined during the last yr as a consequence of persistent accidents, shared a heartfelt message on social media.

“Feel for Rafa man (crying emoji) (heartbreak emoji), get better soon, that was the fear for me as well, coming back a little too soon,” he tweeted.

The withdrawal means Nadal might have performed his ultimate match in Australia.

“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal tweeted on Sunday evening.

“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.

“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.

“Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa”

Nadal’s withdrawal will promote Quentin Halys into the primary draw.