Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been forced out of the Australian Open with a hip injury.

In a devastating blow for fans and officials, Nadal revealed on social media on Sunday night he was flying home to Spain to see his doctor.

The 22-time grand slam champion had hip surgery in June and hadn’t played since last year’s Australian Open until returning at the season-opening Brisbane International.

“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“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 (sic, excellence) in 5 sets matches.

“I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”

Nadal’s withdrawal will inevitably raise concerns over the 37-year-old former world No.1’s ability – and desire – to return to the sport.

It comes after an initially impressive return, with Nadal ominous in first and second-round wins before he was physically tested in a 3½-hour battle with Australian Jordan Thompson that finished late on Friday night.

Nadal, who had three match points in that clash, suffered his injury in the defeat.

He received treatment and then finished the match before admitting his fears, given the pain was in the region of the hip that he chose to have operated on to continue his career.

Nadal had been watering down expectations but his level of play had inspired discussion that he could challenge 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic in Melbourne later this month.