Nadal began his comeback at the start of the new year by playing three singles matches and one doubles contest in Brisbane. The 37-year-old was in prime position to reach the singles semifinals

Despite the setback, the 22-time major champ said “this is not very bad news” in a statement on his social media Sunday. Rafael Nadal’s highly-anticipated return trip Down Under has been prematurely cut short, ending his hopes of making a 19th appearance at Melbourne Park. On Sunday, the 22-time major champion pulled out of the…