Australian Open 2021 - 'Not me, sorry!' - Bizarre moment Rafael Nadal sends away frantic medics

Published 15/02/2021 at 06:38 GMT

There was a strange moment during Rafael Nadal's last-16 clash with Fabio Fognini at the 2021 Australian Open when a bewildered world number two had to send away a pair of medics who rushed on to the court to give him urgent attention. In what appeared to be a simple gaffe, the medics arrived on the wrong court.

Spain's Rafael Nadal talks to the umpire while playing against Italy's Fabio Fognini during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne

Image credit: Getty Images

Second seed Rafael Nadal was left laughing midway through his match against Fabio Fognini at the Australian Open over confusion with a pair of medics.

The physios already looked confused as they strode onto court to treat Nadal, given that the world number two sprinted over to his chair and was clearly in fine fettle.

Then, when the pair approached the Spaniard and asked him what was wrong, he was left to simply laugh and explain that there must have been a mistake.

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Given Nadal was storming past Fognini at the time and playing superbly on Rod Laver Arena, he was in a good mood to laugh the interruption off in a jovial fashion.

"I didn't ask for a medic," explained Nadal with his hands up and a puzzled expression on his face.

No, not me! Sorry guys, not me! Maybe another court? Thank you!

'Not me, sorry!' - Bizarre moment medics rush on as Nadal laughs

There was total confusion on the court as Nadal looked up at the umpire to try to understand what had unfolded.

As explained on Eurosport's commentary for the match: "They thought Rafa had called the trainer, but it wasn't him! It was another court."

Even the court supervisor was left totally baffled and shrugged when the umpire looked over for an explanation.

It wasn't the only amusing incident on the day for Nadal, who earlier was shown a 'Stop' sign and told to move away as he found himself in the wrong part of Melbourne Park.