Rafael Nadal Jokes About Missing 2026 Australian Open Following Right-Hand Surgery

Rafael Nadal Undergoes Hand Surgery, Jokes About Skipping 2026 Australian Open.

Even in retirement, Rafael Nadal is making headlines with injury updates. The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed on Friday that he underwent right-hand surgery, jokingly announcing his “withdrawal” from the **2026 Australian Open” — a tournament he was never planning to play.

“I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I’d been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!” Nadal said.

Nadal’s publicist confirmed that the procedure, an arthroplasty, was performed at Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona to address severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint in his right hand. The surgery, overseen by Nadal’s trusted doctor Ángel Ruiz-Cotorro, aims to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Retirement and Life After Tennis

Nadal officially retired after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, ending a career marked by battles with foot and hip injuries. His farewell season was emotional, highlighted by a ceremony at Roland Garros, attended by lifelong rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.

Earlier this year, Nadal hinted at staying connected with tennis through exhibitions but emphasized he needs time to recover. “Playing exhibitions isn’t just showing up — you want to give the fans a good level of tennis,” he said.

For now, Nadal’s focus remains on recovery and rehabilitation, putting any future tennis plans on hold.