Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open, revealing the news on social media.
The Spaniard has fallen to 672 in the world after constant injury problems in recent years.
On Sunday night he revealed a new problem caused in his loss to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International led to his latest decision.
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"Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried," he posted 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 five sets matches."
Nadal said he was flying back to Spain to see his doctor and 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 three months," he said.
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"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."
https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1743922671312867675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
During the third set against Thompson, Nadal left the court for a medical timeout to receive treatment to his hip.
In last year's Australian Open, the grand-slam-winning icon was bundled out in round two while attempting to defend his 2022 crown.
A hip injury plagued him during that match against Mackenzie McDonald. He then withdrew from the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Nadal has previously hinted this could be his last season on the professional circuit.
"It's obvious it's a high percentage that it's going to be my last time playing in Australia," he said after losing his doubles match in the Brisbane International.
"But if I'm here next year, don't tell me, 'You said it's going to be your last season', because I didn't say it.
"You never know what's going on, you know? I can't predict how I'm going to be in the next six months. I can't predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years."
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