'Hope to be fine soon': Rafael Nadal jokes about not being able to play Australian Open 2026
Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
Rafael Nadal underwent surgery on Friday in Barcelona to treat osteoarthritis that affected his right hand. The retired tennis great underwent the procedure to treat pain and restore mobility in his right hand.
The possibility of the much-talked-about exhibition match between Nadal and Roger Federer looks less likely. Federer and his longtime agent, Tony Godsick, floated the idea in September of a reunion between the two tennis greats.
In November, Nadal was spotted in a practice session with Alexandra Eala at Nadal’s academy in the Spaniard’s hometown of Mallorca.
“Looks like I won’t be able to play the Australian Open 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!” read the Spaniard’s post on X.
The official X handle of the French Open played along with the 14-time Roland Garros champion. “Get well soon, Rafa, hope to see you in Paris!” was the humorous reply from Roland Garros.
Nadal, absent for most of 2023 with a series of injuries, attempted a return to competitive tennis in 2024. However, the body of the 22-time Grand Slam champion would not cooperate.
The former icon will be seen at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. Nadal serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation and is scheduled to meet fans at the King Abdullah Sports City’s fan zone during the event. The Next Gen ATP Finals will run from 17-21 December.
The Mallorcan spoke about the domination of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on the ATP Tour, emphasising the need for a third challenger. Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated proceedings over the previous two seasons, maintaining a virtual duopoly.
Speaking on the matter, Nadal said, “I think Carlos and Jannik need someone to push them in the upcoming years. Joao Fonseca is too young for that. They have set themselves apart from everyone else, and they need someone to challenge them a bit.”
Making up for Rafael Nadal’s ‘absence’ at the 2026 Australian Open will be four former players. The “Battle of the World No.1s” exhibition match at the opening ceremony kicks off the Australian Open in January, where fans can watch Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in action.
The former World No. 1s will take centre stage at the Rod Laver Arena, the night before main-draw action gets underway.
Why did Rafael Nadal undergo hand surgery?
Rafael Nadal underwent surgery to treat osteoarthritis in his right hand, aiming to relieve pain and restore mobility.
When did Rafael Nadal retire from professional tennis?
Nadal officially retired following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
Will Rafael Nadal play the Australian Open 2026?
No, Nadal has confirmed that he will miss the Australian Open 2026 due to his recent hand surgery.
Where was Rafael Nadal seen practicing recently?
He was seen practicing with Alexandra Eala at his academy in Mallorca in November.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.