Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open title defense came to an end with a 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 loss to American player Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open. However, what was even more alarming during his early defeat were visuals of the Spanish great struggling with another injury as he played well below his full capacity in the third set.
As Nadal walked out of Rod Laver Arena with a dejected look on his face, the tennis world fears the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career may be nearing the end.
Midway through the second set, as Nadal ran and stretched to hit a forehand, he grimaced in pain. He played the rest of the game with very restricted movements as his opponent rushed to a 6-4, 5-3 lead. The Spaniard was forced to limp off the court for a medical timeout right away despite it not being a changeover, which showed his level of discomfort with the hip problem.
He continued the match after returning, but his facial expressions and those of his team and family members, coupled with his movements and intensity throughout the rest of the match, suggested that the writing was on the wall.
Tennis fans reacted to Nadal’s loss, sympathizing with the Spaniard and fearing that the writing could on the wall with regards to his tennis future too. Some expressed hope of yet another vintage Nadal comeback.
“Flashbacks of Federer and his injury. He’ll be back,” a Twitter user expressed.
“Really hope this isn’t his last time walking off this court. Once in a lifetime champion,” another fan expressed.
Here are a few more reactions from tennis fans to the Spanish legend’s 2023 Australian Open exit:
I know I should’ve prepared for this heartbreak, but it’s still hard to accept that this may keep happening. Go, Rafa. #vamos twitter.com/christophclare…
Rafael Nadal’s best ever start to a season in 2022 followed by one of his worst in 2023
Rafael Nadal’s memories of a wonderful start to the 2022 season seem distant as he has now suffered one of the most unfortunate starts to a season ever in 2023. Last year, the Spaniard won as many as 20 matches in a row to start the season, a run that included the Australian Open and two other ATP titles. He has lost three of his first four matches this year, including two at the United Cup and Wednesday’s loss to Mackenzie McDonald.
Additionally, his hip injury is the third different kind of injury he has suffered since the start of the 2022 season. He was affected by a chronic foot injury, a rib injury, and two installments of an abdominal problem last year.
The Spanish legend’s legion of fans and well-wishers will certainly hope that he recovers from a fitness issue yet again, just as he has done time and again throughout his illustrious career.
Rafael Nadal’s outfit for Australian Open 2023 revealed
