Australian Open: Since Rafael Nadal injured his hip flexor during his unexpected Australian Open departure, he will be out for the next six to eight weeks of the ATP Tour calendar.
It was the latest in a string of health setbacks for the defending champion. He appeared uncomfortable when Mackenzie McDonald defeated him 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the second round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.
Under the guidance of his physician, Nadal underwent an MRI on his left leg on Thursday in Melbourne. The results showed grade-two damage to the iliopsoas muscle.
According to an update from Nadal’s staff, the typical recuperation time for the injury is between six and eight weeks. He would return to Spain for a period of rest and therapy.
According to a statement from his team, “he will start receiving anti-inflammatory physical treatment as soon as he gets back to Spain.”
“Standard estimates state that a complete recovery takes six to eight weeks.”
Nadal would be able to return well before the clay court season and the lead-up to his French Open title defence in late May and early June with a six to eight-week recovery. But he would be questionable for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells at the beginning of March.
Australian Open: What caused Nadal to lose in Melbourne?
When Nadal knelt down in obvious pain gripping his left hip after chasing out wide for a forehand against unseeded McDonald, he was already in trouble. He was down a set and a break to McDonald’s.
The world No. 2 continued the match despite limping around the court with his wife Maria sobbing in the spectators after calling for the trainer and leaving the field for treatment.
Although Nadal was able to maintain his serve until the 11th game and was cheered on by supporters who still thought he might somehow turn things around, McDonald would eventually find a way through and he quickly finished off the victory.
A year after his nearly miraculous run to the title. When he felt his career might be finished due to a severe foot issue. It was a very sad way for Nadal, the top seed, to exit the tournament.
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