MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) — Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal on Sunday pulled out of the Australian Open with a "micro tear on a muscle" barely a week after making his comeback from a year-long injury absence, but said he remained positive.

The 37-year-old had been out of the game since injuring his hip at the 2023 Australian Open, undergoing surgery before making his return at the Brisbane International.

He won his opening two matches in straight sets and looked in good touch but needed a medical timeout towards the end of his quarter-final loss to Australia's Jordan Thompson after feeling pain in his upper left thigh.

"During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small-muscle problem that as you know made me worried," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Once I got to Melbourne I had the chance to have an MRI and I have a micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that's good news."

"Right now, I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of
five-set matches. I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest."

His absence from the Australian Open could mean he has played at Melbourne Park for the last time, having said there was a "high percentage" that 2024 would be his farewell to the tour.

He said in Brisbane that his health would be the deciding factor in any decision about continuing to play after this season.

"We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa," the Australian Open said on its official X feed.

"Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon."

Long-time rival and world number one Novak Djokovic also has an injury cloud hanging over him ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season.

The Serbian needed treatment on a troublesome right wrist during the United Cup last week but said: "I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open."