Following a year-long absence from competition, Rafael Nadal has only participated in one tournament this season before withdrawing from the Australian Open due to injury. After requiring a medical stoppage in the third set of his Brisbane International quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson on Friday, Rafael Nadal expressed concerns about his surgically repaired hip. During the game, the Spaniard had a minor tear to his muscle. The former world number one’s capacity to compete at the highest level is called into question by his most recent injury, as he had previously stated he planned to end his illustrious but troubled career in 2024. The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who missed nearly a year due to a hip injury, finally returned to professional tennis in Brisbane.