Australian Open: ‘It’s really, really tough news’ – Barbara Schett expresses disappointment over Rafael Nadal withdrawal

Schett, who is now in Melbourne preparing ahead of this year’s Australian Open where she will front Eurosport and discovery+’s live coverage, was sat having a family dinner when she heard the news.

“I was just sitting together with my family having a beautiful dinner here in Australia, and then the terrible news arrived that Rafa Nadal has to pull out of the Australian Open,” Schett said.

“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.”

Schett is confident that it is not the way Nadal will head into retirement, and expects him to play again.

“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,” Schett said. “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.”

Schett conceded that the news put a damper on her evening.

“I don’t think I’m going to have my dessert now because I don’t feel like it anymore now,” Schett said.