Rafael Nadal has recently used humor to frame a serious personal update. While recovering from right-hand surgery, Nadal jokingly announced on social media that he would not be playing the 2026 Australian Open. Among those reacting was his sister Maribel Nadal, whose lighthearted response underscored the close-knit family support surrounding the 22-time Grand Slam champion during his recovery.
Rafael Nadal’s Sister Maribel’s Lighthearted Response Reflects the Family’s Close Bond
Even in retirement, Nadal remains a constant presence in the sport’s daily conversation. The 22-time Grand Slam champion officially stepped away from professional tennis in November 2024, closing the curtain on one of the most decorated careers the game has seen. Since then, Nadal has stayed connected with fans through social media, often offering glimpses into life after competition.
In an Instagram post, Nadal posted a picture with his right hand in a cast. He explained that he had undergone surgery in Barcelona to address severe osteoarthritis in the trapeziometacarpal joint of his right hand, an issue he said had troubled him for years. Despite the seriousness of the condition, he chose humor as his delivery.
Nadal joked that he would be “withdrawing” from the 2026 Australian Open, poking fun at himself despite having already retired. He added that he expects to recover sufficiently, maintaining a positive tone. “Looks like I won’t be able to play the @AustralianOpen 2026,” he wrote, pairing the remark with laughing and hugging emojis while expressing hope for a smooth recovery.
The joke landed because of his storied relationship with the Melbourne tournament, where he won titles in 2009 and again in 2022. Maribel Nadal, who serves as deputy general director of the Rafa Nadal Academy, summed up the family’s reaction with a telling comment, complete with laughter emojis, a flexed bicep, and a heart.
The 2026 Australian Open is scheduled to take place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 18 through Feb. 1, 2026, following a qualifying round set for Jan. 12 to 15. The upcoming event marks the tournament’s 114th staging and will once again be contested on GreenSet hard courts.
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Jannik Sinner will return to Melbourne as the reigning men’s singles champion, while Madison Keys holds the title on the women’s side. The defending doubles champions include Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten in men’s doubles, Kateřina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend in women’s doubles, and the mixed doubles pair of Olivia Gadecki and John Peers.