Nadal knocked out of Australian Open exit
Misses out on 1, 955 points, will fall out of top five
Rafael Nadal has been left ruing yet another injury on the big stage as he was forced to bid farewell to the Australian Open.
The Spaniard lost to Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
“I felt something in my hip and that was it,” he said.
“I had noticed something in the previous days but nothing like today. I have a history of hip problems that have forced me to do treatments in the past.”
Nadal was visibly frustrated and drained at the end of it all.
“I’m tired and frustrated with being in injury recovery processes for much of my career,” he said.
“But I’ve always accepted it. I can’t say I’m not mentally wrecked because I’d be lying. I can come here and say life is great and stay positive, but I can’t do that now.
“It’s a tough time and a tough day and I accept it because you have to keep going. On a sporting level, the glass is filling up and there may be a time when the water comes out.”
Nadal will fall out of the top five of the ATP rankings when the ranking is updated on January 30, at the conclusion of the Australian Open.
The Spaniard has not been able to uphold the 2,000 points for being champion of the last edition of the Open. Following his decision to bow out of the Australian Open, the Spaniard will not be able to defend his crown which means he will be 1,955 points short.
