RAFAEL NADAL joked that he’ll definitely miss next month’s Australian Open after undergoing hand surgery.
The retired Spaniard, 39, called time on his legendary career 13 months ago at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Fans were treated to a rare glimpse of Nadal back on a tennis court last month, as he practised with rising WTA star Alexandra Eala – a graduate of his academy in Mallorca.
But even in retirement, the 22-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t been able to escape the injury bug that so plagued him throughout his iconic career.
Alongside a picture of himself wearing a sling, as well as a laughing emoji, Nadal wrote on social media: “Looks like I won’t be able to play the @AustralianOpen 2026.
“I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I’d been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!”
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Further expanding on his client’s injury, the lefty’s agent confirmed in a statement: “Rafa Nadal underwent a surgical procedure yesterday at the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona, where surgery was performed on his right hand due to severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint.
“The procedure, carried out under the supervision of Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, Rafa Nadal’s physician, together with Dr. Vilaro, and performed by Dr. Alex Lluch, consisted of an arthroplasty aimed at relieving pain and restoring mobility of the joint.”
Nadal’s social media post received plenty of comments from well-wishers, including iconic former Los Angeles Lakers superstar Pau Gasol.
The Spaniard, 45, joked: “Great recovery, Rafa!! I don’t want to rush things but I trust that yes, we’ll see you at @rolandgarros.”
Nadal’s final match saw him lose to Botic van de Zandschulp as Spain crashed out to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Finals quarters last year.
Last month he was delighted to dust off his racquets as he practised with Eala.
The 14-time Roland Garros champion said: “One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court.”
Nadal then added, alongside a wink emoji: “It was great to practice with you Alex Eala! Next time I will be stronger.”
World No52 Eala, 20, was thrilled with the experience.
The trailblazing Filipina previously said of Nadal on TV in her homeland: “He is so grounded and he has achieved more than anything I could dream of.
“And the fact that he is still so nice to everyone around here is very admirable from him.”
Unlike Nadal, the Mallorcan’s old sparring partner Roger Federer WILL be at the Australian Open next month.
The Swiss maestro, 44, will make his first return to Melbourne Park since hanging up his racquet in 2022.
Federer will take part in an exhibition event entitled “Battle of the World No.1s” on the eve of the tournament, alongside the likes of Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
Announcing the news, Federer said: “It feels like a lifetime ago that I coined the phrase the ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open, and it still makes me smile when I think about all the moments I’ve had here.
“I’ve experienced so many emotions on Rod Laver Arena – the joy of lifting ‘Norman’ six times, the honour of playing in front of Rod Laver himself, the challenge of competing against my biggest rivals, and always the overwhelming love and support of the Australian fans.
“Coming back to win the Australian Open in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne.
“I can’t wait to come down under again and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans.”
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