January 05, (THEWILL) – Tennis star Rafael Nadal has expressed uncertainty over whether the thigh injury he sustained during his Qatar Open quarterfinal loss will impact his chances of competing at the upcoming Australian Open. The 37-year-old needed a medical timeout towards the climax of his marathon 3 hour 25 minute defeat to Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Friday.
Although Nadal felt no initial twinge, pain began mounting in his upper left thigh around the same area he endured issues last season. Ultimately requiring treatment from 4-1 down in set three, this latest setback resulted in a 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-3 loss for the Spaniard.
While the discomfort differs from his 2023 hip troubles, the location fuels added worries given past problems. Despite triumphing pain-free through his opening two matches this week, Nadal conceded experiencing notable pain in the latter quarterfinal stages. With more muscle tightness seemingly this time, he will now anxiously await to see how his body recovers before confirming Australian Open plans.
Having taken most of 2023 off after January’s Grand Slam event, Nadal only recently resumed competitive action. Admitting total uncertainty over his current fitness status, the veteran remains unsure whether featuring in Melbourne Park is realistic. Although hoping to practise next week and feature at the year’s first Grand Slam, Nadal stressed not expecting immediate success on his return.
Perhaps indicating the Australian Open comes too soon, the cautious Spaniard maintained his priority focused on regaining competitiveness over the coming months.