Carlos Alcaraz wishes a Nadal quick recovery after the Spaniard pulled out of Australian Open

Raising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has sent a message of support to Rafael Nadal after his fellow Spaniard announced that he has withdrawn from the Australian Open this month. Nadal has sustained a muscle tear but insists that it is a different injury to the problem that kept him sidelined for almost a year.

Nadal returned to the court this week at the Brisbane International after undergoing surgery on a hip flexor injury that prevented him from competing for 12 months. The 37-year-old cruised to victories over Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler after returning to the court before tasting defeat at the hands of Jordan Thompson.

During the defeat, Nadal was given a medical timeout and struggled with an injury for the remainder of the match. As a result, he has opted to withdraw from the Australian Open so that he can return to Spain and seek help from his doctor and rest.

Support poured in for Nadal, with Alcaraz among those to send a message of support. He replied on Instagram: “We are waiting for you in the next tournament Rafa! Get well soon!”