Picture Credit: Twitter
Defending Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal made a shocking exit from the first Grand Slam of the tournament on Wednesday (January 19). The World No. 1 lost 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 in three straight sets against USA’s Mackenzie McDonald in his Round 2 match at the AO 2023.
The 36-year-old was seen struggling with injury when he took the Rod Laver Arena in Round of 64. While he was checked by the physio midway during the second set, he also took a medical timeout during the same set.
However, the Spaniard himself took to Twitter to confirm that he had undergone medical tests and the MRI showed grade 2 lesion in the Iliacus Psoas of his left leg. “Good afternoon. I have carried out medical tests after the defeat yesterday. The MRI shows a grade 2 lesion in the Iliacus Psoas of his left leg. Now it’s sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotheraphy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks,” he wrote.
With this it is to be seen that the World No. 1 will most certainly miss the ATP 500 tournaments in Dubai and Acapulca. If all goes well in his favour, he is likely to be fit for the Indian Wells and Miami tournament, scheduled to take place in March 2023.
