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Rafael Nadal will miss the Australian Open after suffering a muscle injury during his loss to Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane International quarter-final.
The 22-time grand slam champion, who had surgey on his left hip in June, was making his comeback at the Brisbane tournament.
The 37-year-old required medical treatment during the match and the Spaniard said on X: "During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried.
"Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make 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 exigence in five sets matches. I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest."
He added: "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 three months.
"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!"
Nadal's surgery last summer came with him having been sidelined since suffering an injury at last January's Australian Open.
He returned with a 7-5 6-1 victory over Dominic Thiem in the first round in Brisbane, and subsequently defeated Jason Kubler in straight sets before Thompson beat him 5-7 7-6 (6) 6-3.
Nadal claimed his second Australian Open title in 2022, having also triumphed in 2009.
A post from the Australian Open on X said: "We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa. Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon."
Great Britain's Liam Broady has also had to pull out of the tournament due to injury.
Broady, who was beaten in the second round of the Hong Kong Open by Andrey Rublev earlier this week, said in a statement on X: "Sad to say I have had to withdraw from the AO. I have two bone stresses in my ankle that got worse in Hong Kong until I felt I couldn't move properly on court in my last match.
"When I arrived in Melbourne I got an MRI which confirmed what the pain was. If I continue to play there's a high chance they could become fractures and instead of a month out it could be three.
"Although tempting to play injured and take full prize money I felt it wasn't right when other competitors have a better chance fully fit. Special thank you also to the AO and ATP for still giving me the full travel grant. Not mandatory but given to help me out with costs of the trip."
Benefiting from Broady's withdrawal from qualifying is Frenchman Laurent Lokoli, who wrote on X: "Liam, I wish you a speedy recovery. We are born the same year and we know each other since childhood. Today you have shown how fair you are off the court as well. Thank you for letting another player compete. Great sportsmanship. I wish u the best."
