This Wednesday, January 18, Rafael Nadal, reduced by a hip injury, lost in the second round of the Australian Open. A particularly difficult defeat for the player’s companion, Xisca Perello, who burst into tears in the stands
One defeat too many. Title holder, Rafael Nadal came out the back door of the Australian Open this Wednesday, January 18. Opposed to the American Mackenzie McDonald during the second round of the Grand Slam tournament, the Spaniard, weakened by a hip injury, lost in three short sets.
A defeat even more difficult to digest for Xisca Perello, the tennis player’s companion. Present in the stands, the young woman has indeed burst into tears as her darling writhed in pain. Heartbreaking images captured by television cameras. Among the fans, this strong emotion also revives the rumor of an upcoming retirement of the former world number 1.
Rafael Nadal: ‘This time I can’t move’
If he left the court to the ovations of the public, Rafael Nadal could not hide his disappointment. At a press conference, the 36-year-old Spaniard said he was “mentally destroyed” by this new injury. “I am old enough to make my own decisions: as defending champion, I didn’t want to give up, I did not want to leave the court on an abandonment. And it’s better like this. I’ve had hip problems before. I already had to do treatments. But it’s never been so strong. This time I can’t move”explained the champion.
Despite this difficult period, Rafael Nadal and his companion will be able to find comfort with their son, born last October and whose first name has not been made official. Aged 3 months, he had also accompanied them to Australia, to the delight of his dad, who hopes to put an end to all these injuries in order to allow him to meet ultimate challenges before finally bowing out.