Rafael Nadal’s Left Hip Pain: What It Means for His Australian Open Participation

Rafael Nadal is unsure if he will compete at the upcoming Australian Open after his defeat to Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Friday, during which the Spaniard left the court on a medical timeout.

“I hope I can train next week and play the Australian Open, but I’m not 100 percent sure,” Rafa said after his 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane.

“What matters now is that I’ve been able to play three matches in Brisbane. My opponent played very well and you have to give him credit. I don’t think it’s the time to talk about that (degree of pain during the match). I have to leave satisfied and congratulate the opponent. We’ll see how I wake up tomorrow and the day after.”

Rafa also said the pain is in the left hip, which caused him to miss so much time away from the court, but it may not be the same issue.

“The pain is in the same place, but I feel like it’s a bit more muscular because of the tiredness. Last season it was the tendon and the feeling was completely different because I felt it a lot more. Today I didn’t feel anything, what happens is that being the same place you get more scared.”

“I hope it’s just that I have a strong muscle after several days of playing and a tough match like this with Thompson. I already said that my goal was to be competitive in a couple of months.”

Source: Reuters

11 comments

  1. Well as Rafa said himself, “it might be nothing more than a muscle charging” and I think it’s natural that he’s abit nervous about it with it being in the same area as his previous hip injury. I do hope that it nothing more than just the aches and pains of competing at this level again, as I know wants to go out on his own terms and I want that for him as well. He said that he didn’t want to retire at a press conference, but on the court. So I hope he is able to play this season and get back to his winning ways!!!

  2. To tell you the truth, I love this guy but with so much injuries, I really he should think of retiring and start training the next upcoming Rafa. Rafa is still top best in my category but I think his King of the mountain role has already come and that’s okay. He did it all and to the best of anyone’s critic. There’s nothing to be ashamed of as everyone knows you were the best in every aspect of life. You are”CLASS”. Not every tennis player gets to be put in that category. So, go out while you still got some time to enjoy your family and friends. No one will put you down for that. You are our Tennis King. Good luck in whatever you decide to do and God bless you.

  3. Thompson knew exactly what he was doing..driving Rafa ..he was set to take Rafa out …that was the aim.. Rafa let the AO go its not a lucky place for you…get better for RG.. 🇪🇦🇪🇦

  4. After he lost the 2nd set I knew it was over and I thought he will injure himself even more. Read a lot of comments where people say it’s good that he lost in such a tight match, but I don’t see any problem that he won in straight sets and then potentially lose 6-1 6-1 to Dimitrov. Two sets with Thompson were quite competitive and with four matches under his belt he would still be motivated for Australian Open. I think losing matches like this one today in which he had 3 MPs can’t boost your confidence like many Rafans think.

  5. You know, Rafa has this unique feature going for him: his presence! Just watch him entering the court, his routines, his bandera, him waving at the crowd, well his everything! With Rafa you know, feel it, the fight is on long before it started. Such a pleasure seeing him back in business. Keep going hombre, as long as you can! The game still needs you, vamos!

  6. Rafa-you have amazing patience with these journalists. The mto was the wise call if you
    sensed an abnormality. You warned that the road back would not be smooth or easy. What a remarkable comeback! We are so proud. But, as B. Becker said, “The young savages do not sleep.” Let us hope for the best medical news. Take time to make the best decision for yourself❤️🙏🍀🎾

  7. My opinion: Rafa should skip the hard court tournaments and play the clay court tournaments. First South America and than Europe

  8. Muscles around an injury are often “protected” by non-use during recovery. We naturally protect our injuries. My guess is it’s been used more in the past three days and is tender from use. Not re-injured. Regardless Rafa played great. Sad he missed his opportunities for the win but I am THRILLED he is on the court at all. On to Melbourne! Vamos!! ♥️🎾

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