(AP) — Rafael Nadal cut himself on the bridge of his nose with his own racket when it ricocheted off the court on the follow-through from a shot, leaving himself bloodied and dizzy during his second-round victory at the U.S. Open.
Play was delayed for about five minutes during a medical timeout in the fourth set of what would become a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 win against Fabio Fognini at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a match that began Thursday night and finished after midnight on Friday.
It made for a bizarre, and briefly scary, scene, as Nadal immediately grimaced, dropped his racket, put a palm to his face and then put both hands on his head. At least Nadal could joke about it afterward during his on-court interview.
Asked whether he’d ever had that happen before, he mustered a chuckle and replied: “With a golf club but not with a tennis racket.”
How was he feeling?
“Well, just a little bit dizzy at the beginning,” said Nadal, who has won four of his 22 Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open, most recently in 2019, the last time he entered the hard-court tournament. “A little bit painful.”
The episode came on the first point of the game with Nadal leading 3-0 in the fourth set and clearly in command after ceding the opening set for the second match in a row this week.
Source: AP
Good to see today Rafa practicing. Seems like he is fine.
Yes, Elizabeth, FF has redeemed himself to some degree. While not the ideal sportsman,
he did express some concern. No greater warrior than you, Rafa. We saw how you reacted when Z was injured🎾❤️🙏
Scary moment but thankfully he was able to resume. Credit to Fabio for showing concert. Hope all will be okay for Saturday, 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Rafa am so sorry to witness that accident to your nose.. I do hope you will have no aftereffects Vamos
I’m just sooo thankful it wasn’t worse and that your foot and abdominal muscles are JUST FINE 🙂 The taking the tape off the finger scare had me worried as it was… then this? I have the same luck, Rafa. But I sure can’t play tennis like you! All the best for quick healing from the rogue racket round! Blessings and Vamos!
Good luck for the next round and all the best for the nose😉
It was a stressful night for me, thank goodness I had my husband’s company the entire match. All the best the rest of the tournament, Rafa.🍀❤️ Vamos💪💪💪