Rafael Nadal reveals a physical ailment. At the same time, the Spaniard shines with self-irony.
When the Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 12, the entire tennis elite will once again travel Down Under – but Rafael Nadal will not be there, as the Spaniard announced on social media that he will have to sit out due to injury.
What? Nadal? Didn’t the 39-year-old end his illustrious career last year? Is he planning a comeback? Not at all, his tennis career is over! Rather, there is a hint of self-irony behind his post with a serious background, as Nadal was repeatedly plagued by protracted injuries, especially in the autumn of his career.
Me parece que no podré jugar el @australianopen en enero
I had to undergo surgery on my hand for a problem that I had been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!Looks like I won’t be able to play the @AustralianOpen 2026
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 12, 2025
Hand surgery for Nadal
Accompanying a photo showing Nadal with his right hand bandaged, the Mallorcan wrote: “Looks like I won’t be able to play in the Australian Open in 2026. I had to undergo hand surgery for a problem I’ve had for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!”
Next week, Nadal will travel to Saudi Arabia, where he will be the guest of honor at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah as ambassador for the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner played his last match on November 19, 2024, losing to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup Finals.
Since then, his family, his tennis academy, and golf have been the focus of his life, but injury concerns continue to plague the “Bull of Manacor” even after his retirement.