Throughout his career, Rafael Nadal suffered from physical ailments. These have slowed him down but never stopped him: as evidenced by his 22 Grand Slams, the most in history. However, in Australian Open 2023 alarms went off for the Spaniard, who lost to the American Mackenzie McDonald with clear signs of pain.

Sports news presents all the details of the former world No1’s new injury.

Rafael Nadal’s injury: what and when the Spanish tennis player has

In the second set against Mackenzie McDonald, Rafael Nadal felt discomfort in his left hip. In the press conference after the match he confirmed the injury in an area that was already hurting: “It’s been a few days of pain, but nothing compared to today after that move. I don’t know what’s going on, if it’s in the muscle, in the joint. There are precedents. Now I feel like I can’t move, but I don’t really know what it is until I do all the tests, how far it goes.”

Although he knew that winning would be a difficult task, The Spaniard did not want to retire without the champion. Although it’s clear that this idea was hanging around his head. “In the end I know myself and I tried to keep playing without increasing the damage. He couldn’t hit the back, he couldn’t run for the ball. I just wanted to finish the game. That was it,” he said.

The moment of Nadal’s injury. 🥺#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qzzg7gjKz9

— ESPN Tennis (@ESPNtenis) January 18, 2023

The Spaniard’s anger is palpable as is the disappointment of his entire team. even his wife Maria Perello I’m crying. “Sometimes it’s frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to accept. Sometimes you feel super tired with all of it when it comes to injuries. There are a lot of them and the glass is full. But I’ve always managed it throughout my career.” recognized.

Adding at the same time: “I can’t say I’m not mentally destroyed right now because I’d be lying. It’s hard. I hope it’s not serious. I’ve been through this too many times in my career and I’m ready to do it again even though it’s not easy. I’m not going to give anything up.”

On Thursday, January 19, via a social media message, Nadal confirmed the medical report. “Good morning. I had a medical after yesterday’s loss. MRI shows a grade 2 damage to the iliac psoas of his left leg. Now it’s sports rest and anti-inflammatory physical therapy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks,” he wrote. .

Good afternoon. I have had a medical after yesterday’s defeat. MRI shows a grade 2 lesion in the Psoas ilium of the left leg. Now it’s sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotherapy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/xwcKSyTzhp

— Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 19, 2023

What is Rafael Nadal’s next tournament?

Rafael Nadal signed up to play the Doha ATP 250, in Qatar, starting on February 20. Then I went to play Dubai ATP 500 (February 27 to March 4) before flying to the United States to tackle the first leg of the cement tour. The next thing, if the recovery follows normal paths: it would be the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000.

Is it time for Rafael Nadal to retire?

At 36, Rafael Nadal remains competitive and hungry for more glory. For this reason, when asked if he will retire, he always gives the same answer: no. And this new damage, as you pointed out, does not change his goal to continue participating in the world circuit.

“I don’t think about my pension. I think you do, because that’s how you show me every week at every press conference. But I will continue to answer the same every time you ask me.”

Rafael Nadal. pic.twitter.com/YuEKMA1fW2

— Hugo Durán (@CroniSport) January 14, 2023