Nadal withdraws from Qatar Open, says ‘not ready to compete’
Former world no. 1 tennis star Rafael Nadal has further delayed his comeback after pulling out of the upcoming Qatar Open.
Former world no. 1 tennis star Rafael Nadal has further delayed his comeback after pulling out of the upcoming Qatar Open.
With U.S Open winner Carlos Alcaraz of Spain withdrawing due to an injury, his compatriot Rafael Nadal has been given the top billing in the men's singles draw in the Australian Open, starting in a few days.
Nadal also expressed how hopeful he is about the upcoming Australian open as he claimed that he is confident enough and his past few practice sessions are going well.
The Spanish megastar lost his first match of this season against Cameron Norrie and now lost his second match against Australia's Alex de Minaur in three games as the hosts took a lead of 1-0 in their Group D encounter.
Djokovic fans chanted “Novak Novak” when he walked onto the court. Previously, Novak, after a controversy relating to his vaccination status and his anti-vax statements, was held over by the Australian Border Force.
Fans have been witnessing the greatness of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic since 2003. The trio has alone taken the popularity of tennis to newer heights with their superb performances and countless records.
The 36-year-old Spaniard, on course for a calendar Grand Slam, announced he was pulling out after a 45 minute practice session earlier in the day in which he clearly looked hampered.
The 22-time major champion Nadal left the court for a medical timeout in the second set, after losing the opening set 3-6, and appeared to be struggling with an abdominal issue midway through the four-hour, 20-minute quarterfinal encounter on Wednesday.
This is the third consecutive time Nadal has secured a last-eight berth at SW19. He has reached the last-eight stage a total of eight times here, and will look to reach his third semifinal in as many tries when he takes on Fritz.
The 36-year-old Nadal's display was a contrast to his first two matches at Wimbledon, where he struggled to find his best level in four-set victories against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina and Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania.