Rafael Nadal experienced a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury in the Australian Open second round. Nadal injured his left leg in the second set’s closing stages against Mackenzie McDonald in a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 loss. After the initial checks in Melbourne, Rafa underwent more in Barcelona on Thursday and confirmed the results.
The Spaniard will follow the treatment and examine the progress in three weeks. Nadal will stay away from the court between six and eight weeks, missing Doha and Dubai and hoping to compete again in Indian Wells in March. A 22-time Major winner has played only 13 matches after the last year’s Wimbledon, earning five wins and eight losses!
With the latest injury, Nadal will most likely drop out from the top-10 for the first time since April 2005 after defending 1100 points in Acapulco and Indian Wells! Rafa came to Melbourne without any form, struggling with an injury for months and experiencing another at Rod Laver Arena against McDonald.
Rafael Nadal will follow the treatment and go for more checks in three weeks.
The American toppled him in straight sets and delivered Nadal’s worst Major result since 2016. Rafa was far from his A-game even before the injury.
McDonald played well and stayed focused against an injured rival to advance into the third round. The…
