Rafael Nadal is predicted to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks with the damage he suffered on the Australian Open.
The Spaniard’s reign as champion at Melbourne Park ended prematurely within the second spherical with defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal pulled up abruptly late in Wednesday’s second set and clutched at his left hip. He opted to complete the match after an off-court medical timeout however his motion was severely hampered.
The 36-year-old underwent a scan in Melbourne on Thursday morning that confirmed a grade two tear of his iliopsoas muscle.
An replace from Nadal’s group mentioned he would return to Spain for a interval of relaxation and therapy, with the traditional restoration time for the damage from six to eight weeks.
If that timeframe proves right, Nadal might additionally miss Indian Wells firstly of March however must be recovered in time for his favorite European clay-court swing.
He reduce a disconsolate determine following the match as he contemplated one other interval on the sidelines however the good news is it’s not a extra severe damage.
Speaking on Wednesday, Nadal mentioned: “If I have to spend a long time again, then it’s super difficult in the end to be in rhythm and to be competitive and to be ready to fight for the things that I really want to fight for. Let’s see how the injury is, and then let’s see how I can manage to follow the calendar.”
The Spaniard had spoken with confidence forward of the event in regards to the route by which his tennis was heading and mentioned he nonetheless has the will to place within the exhausting work essential to win the most important titles.
Former world No.1 Boris Becker, although, believes the tip is nigh, telling Eurosport: “Yesterday was already the first step towards his retirement.
“An damage like that’s exhausting and at this age it takes even longer to get again into form. I hope and pray that he’ll get properly quickly and that we are going to see him trying recent once more in Paris on the newest. But I believe his days are numbered.”
