Rafael Nadal underwent right-hand surgery for osteoarthritis at Teknon Medical Center, he joked that he will miss the 2026 Australian Open while focusing on recovery.
Rafael Nadal might be retired, but his injury updates keep rolling in. The 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed on Friday that he had right-hand surgery, humorously declaring his “withdrawal” from the 2026 Australian Open.
Nadal Posted on X,
“Looks like I won’t be able to play the Australian Open 2026“.
“I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I had been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!”.
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According to a statement from his longtime publicist confirmed that Nadal had surgery at the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona for severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint in his right hand.
Rafael Nadal Life after Retirement
Nadal’s storied career officially ended at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals after years of foot and hip injuries, with his hip ultimately requiring surgery.
His farewell season may have been short, but it was unforgettable and emotional.
The 14-time French Open champion was celebrated earlier this year at Roland Garros with a star-studded ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier alongside rivals Federer, Djokovic and Murray.
Speaking at the event, Nadal revealed he had been away from the court for eight months but left the door open for a return not competitively, but in some form.
Nadal added,
“I need to give myself a time of disconnection, Playing exhibitions isn’t just showing up, you want to give the fans a good level of tennis.”
Nowadays, all those plans are paused and his focus is firmly on recovery.
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