Even his wife cried: Was that it for Rafael Nadal?

Rafael Nadal grabbed his bags, blew hard and waved to the audience one last time - was that his farewell forever? The second-round drama at the Australian Open with the early exit, the renewed injury and the tears of his wife Maria Francisca Perello in the stands left a clear mark on the Spanish tennis star. The fighter Nadal suddenly doubted whether he could ignite the fire for another comeback if he was out for a long time.

"I just can't say I'm not mentally destroyed at the moment because then I'd be lying," the dethroned defending champion said in a remarkable press conference after the 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 defeat in Melbourne against the American Mackenzie Mcdonald. It is “tiring and frustrating” that “a large part” of his career consists of fighting back from injuries. He absolutely has to avoid a longer break because of the current hip injury, “because if not,” emphasized the 36-year-old, “it will be difficult.”

At the press conference, Nadal was at a loss. © ANSA / LUKAS COCH

He has been through this process “too many times.” In general, he is willing to do it again, “but it is undoubtedly not easy.” The last seven months have been “hard” with serious injuries and little rhythm in the game. “I don’t know what will happen in the future.” He doesn’t want to “lie” now and claim that “life is fantastic” and that he stays positive and keeps fighting. “Not now,” emphasized the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner: “This is a hard moment. But tomorrow starts a new day.”

Tears from Ms. Nadal But the Australian Open is over for him - earlier than it has been since 2016. The second in the world rankings initially played poorly, he scolded the referee and slapped his hand against the racket in frustration. But the real drama came later. At the end of the second set, he injured his hip while taking a long step. In the stands at Rod Laver Arena, his wife shed tears into a tissue while he himself took a medical break. It didn't help, the game was already lost by the time he returned to the field.

Rafael Nadal's wife fights back tears. © ANSA / LUKAS COCH

But giving up was not an option for him. “Give everything to the end, no matter how great the odds are, is the philosophy of sport.” This is also why, for Boris Becker, Nadal is “the best competitor that tennis has ever had” and “a role model for all players”. But the Eurosport expert also has “big question marks” about a return. His suggestion: “Let’s celebrate it while we have it.”

Physical problems, here and there Six months ago, Nadal did not compete in the semifinals against Australian Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon due to an abdominal muscle injury, and in the spring a stress fracture in the rib area put him out of action for weeks. Nadal has also suffered from chronic foot pain for years. Due to his physical problems, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to keep young stars like compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in check. The former dominator has lost seven of his last nine games. If Nadal “has to go to his knees” like that, Becker said, it would be a “clear sign” of a generational change.

Since the retirement of his friend and long-time rival Roger Federer in mid-September, Nadal has also been increasingly asked about his future. The image of the two exceptional talents crying bitterly and holding hands at Federer's farewell ceremony went around the world. Just a few weeks later, Nadal became a father for the first time. In general, he “cannot complain at all” about his life. So why not fully enjoy life off the pitch?

Retirement from the French Open? Shortly before the start of the Australian Open, Olympic champion Alexander Zverev said in a question-and-answer game with Eurosport when he heard the keyword “daring prediction for 2023”: “Rafael Nadal will sadly retire from the French Open.” But perhaps the end will come even sooner.

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Even his wife cried: Was that it for Rafael Nadal?

His wife cries – and the tennis world asks itself: Was that it? Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open as defending champion due to injury. His future is more uncertain than ever.

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