"Especially knowing this is going to be his last year": Barbara Schett reacts to 'tough news' surrounding Rafael Nadal's Australian Open withdrawal
ATPTuesday, 09 January 2024 at 06:30
Former Austrian tennis player Barbara Schett has expressed
disappointment after hearing the news that the former world number one Rafael
Nadal will not going to take part at the Australian Open.
The first Grand Slam of the year is set to begin in less
than a week where players from all over the world will showcase their
talent at the highest level and battle to secure the ultimate prize.
Nadal, who made a comeback to professional tennis after a gap
of nearly one year, announced that he will not take part at the Australian Open
after suffering an injury during the Brisbane International.
Schett was recently quoted in a report where she expressed disappointment
but is hoping to see the 22-time Grand Slam winner returning to the court soon.
“I was just sitting together with my family having a
beautiful dinner here in Australia, and then the terrible news arrived that
Rafa Nadal has to pull out of the Australian Open,” said the 47-year-old.
“We know that he had some tough matches in Brisbane and had
some problems with his injury, and he got an MRI done and it showed that there
was a micro tear in his muscle. Once again, it's the old injury, which is back,
and of course he doesn’t want to risk anything; that's why he wants to go back
to Spain.
“We will not see him at the Australian Open, which is
horrible for the fans. Of course, tennis fans have been waiting for him for so
long, for the fans in Melbourne and also for the tournament. It's really,
really tough news, especially knowing that this is going to be his last year.
“We won't see him back here on the court at the Australian
Open, but I do understand that he wants to make sure that his body is fit. We
know that he puts the emphasis on the clay-court season. He wants to play well
there, he wants to be fit and healthy. He wants to compete in the Olympics as
well, so he has to rest up."
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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