Rafael Nadal injured, officially "missed" Australian Open 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

On January 7, Rafael Nadal announced on Twitter and Instagram his decision to not compete in the first Grand Slam of 2024. The Spaniard wrote: "During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small muscle problem. I had an MRI in Melbourne and found a small tear. The good news is that it is not in the same place as the old injury that I just had treatment for."

"I'm not ready to compete at the highest level in five-set matches now. I'll fly back to Spain to see a doctor for treatment and rest," he added.

Rafael Nadal expressed regret at not being able to play in the 2024 Australian Open - a tournament he won twice in 2009 and 2022.

Nadal was injured while competing at the Brisbane International - a tournament considered a warm-up for the 2024 Australian Open.

He impressed by beating Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarter-finals. But then, Rafael Nadal lost to Jordan Thompson after 3 tense sets.

Rafael Nadal has not played a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open when he lost in the second round due to a hip injury.

Rafael Nadal will miss the entirety of 2023 to recover from an injury. In a statement last year, the tennis player known as the "King of Clay" hinted that 2024 could be the last year of his career.

Rafael Nadal, born in 1986, is a famous Spanish tennis superstar. His forte is on clay courts and he "dominated" Roland Garros - the second Grand Slam tournament of the year - with 14 championships.

He won Wimbledon twice and the US Open four times, bringing his total Grand Slam wins to 22. Rafael Nadal is two Grand Slam titles behind Novak Djokovic.

This year's Australian Open will start on January 14. Novak Djokovic is the defending champion of the tournament.