Rafael Nadal Reacts After McDonald Knocked Him Out Of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal ended his journey in the 2023 Australian Open in a heartbreaking manner as injury gave him no chance against his opponent on Wednesday.

As the 22-time Grand Slam winner was defeated 6-4 6-3 7-5 by American McDonald Mackenzie, Rafael Nadal was having trouble with his left hip.

When he halted play due to an injury, Nadal was down a set. He then continued after taking a medical break near the end of the second set.

This is the most recent in a string of health issues for Nadal, who acknowledged he was unable to feel his left foot while winning the French Open last year due to repeated painkiller injections.

Naija News recalls that he withdrew from his Wimbledon semifinal last year due to an abdominal injury he sustained during the tournament. The same injury then prevented him from competing at the US Open.

After an injury to his left hip forced him out of the 2023 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal claimed that despite his setbacks from injuries, his passion for the sport is what fuels him.

Before his defeat to Mackenzie, the 36-year-old claimed that although he had the ailment, the discomfort had not been as bad as it is now.

As the injury ended his hope of defending the Australian Open title he won last year, the Spaniard said he is mentally destroyed by the setback.

Rafael Nadal in pain after hurting his left hip during a second round clash at 2023 Australian Open.

“I really hope that it doesn’t put me out of the court for a long time,” Nadal said.

“It’s not only the recovery. It’s all the amount of work that you need to put together to come back at a decent level.

“I went through this process too many times in my career, and I am ready to keep doing it. I think, but that’s not easy…

“[I] just can’t say that I am not destroyed mentally at this time, because I will be lying.

“Hopefully, it is nothing too bad. In the end [there] have been three positive weeks in terms of practice.”