Rafael Nadal makes 'sad' announcement that he will not play Australian Open

It was in this quarter-final defeat where Nadal appeared to be in some discomfort, calling for a trainer in the third set.

After the match, Nadal revealed that he thought the discomfort was in a similar place to the psoas tear that has kept him out of action for almost an entire year.

On social media, Nadal confirmed that scans have disproved this, but he will not be playing at the Australian Open next week.

"Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried," Nadal began on social media. "Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have 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 exigence in 5 sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest."

Last year, Nadal suffered a serious psoas tear in his second round defeat at the Australian Open to Mackenzie McDonald.

And the 37-year-old spoke about how disappointed he is to miss the Melbourne major, in what he has suggested could be his final year.

"I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in 3 months," explained Nadal. 

He continued, "Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.

"I really wanted to play here in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive. Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa."

It is unclear as to when Nadal will return to the matchcourt, with his only confirmed match a Netflix special exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz prior to Indian Wells.