Rafael Nadal has been backed to return to professional tennis despite his latest injury setback which has forced him out of the Australian Open.
Former Austrian star Barbara Schett is confident the Spaniard will play again instead of retiring despite him suffering another physical issue.
Nadal returned to tennis last week at the Brisbane International, where he reached the quarter-final before being beaten by Jordan Thompson.
It was his first competitive tournament since last year's Australian Open after an injury kept him out of much of 2023.
Rafael Nadal has been sent a fresh retirement verdict after his latest injury
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However, he revealed on Saturday that he had suffered a "micro tear" on his hip which will require another spell on the sidelines.
Nadal, who has already confirmed 2024 could be his final year on the court, played down the severity of the injury but will miss the first Grand Slam on the year and will return to Spain for treatment.
Former world No 7 Schett admits news of Nadal's withdrawal is "horrible" for tennis fans in Australia.
However, she is adamant that Nadal will not hang up his racket just yet and believes he will target the clay season for a return.
Schett told Eurosport: "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.
"It's sad for us but he needs to do what he has to do, [but] one thing is for sure, we will see him again.
"Maybe not live here at the Australian Open, but hopefully at the French Open worst case scenario, we will see him on TV, on Eurosport, that's for sure."
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Nadal admitted his sadness at missing the Australian Open in his statement on Saturday.
However, he hopes the injury will not keep him out for a sustained period.
Nadal wrote: "I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.
"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.
Rafael Nadal has been backed to return to professional tennis
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"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."
