Superstar Rafael Nadal is on the point of a shock early exit from the Australian Open, taking a medical time-out whereas two units down within the second spherical.
Nadal has come off Rod Laver Arena in seen discomfort, pulling up lame after chasing a ball throughout the baseline.
The Spanish legend and No. 1 seed spent greater than 10 minutes off the court docket throughout a medical time-out with what’s believed to be a abdomen subject.
He dropped the primary set 6-4 and gave up an early break to lose the second to US opponent Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal additionally dropped the second set towards British 21-year-old Jack Draper in his first spherical match on Monday.
It looms as one other main blow for the depleted match, already in need of star energy.
Top Australian hopes Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanovic are out with damage, whereas Ash Barty, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are among the many large tennis names to have retired up to now 12 months.
The match has already taken a large televsion rankings hit, with extra Aussie viewers tuning in to Home and Away on opening night time.
