'Heartbreaking' injury places 'a lot of question marks' over Rafael Nadal's future - Boris Becker
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Published 18/01/2023 at 13:39 GMT
Rafael Nadal's injury during his Australian Open second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald means there are 'a lot of question marks' over his future in the sport according to Boris Becker. Speculation over his possible retirement has been heightened following this latest setback. Nadal was beaten in three sets by McDonald and there were emotional reactions among his team.
The 'very concerning' moment Nadal pulls up injured in second set
Boris Becker has described the scenes involving Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open exit as "heartbreaking" and says there are now "question marks" over his future.
During the second set of his 6-4 6-4 7-5 defeat to American Mackenzie McDonald, the defending champion pulled up with a painful looking hip injury that required a medical time out.
Nadal finished the match but it was clear the 22-time Grand Slam winner was suffering.
Watching from the stands, Nadal’s wife Maria Perello was seen wiping away tears as her husband struggled, something Becker felt could be telling as far as his future is concerned, as well as his prolonged departure from the Rod Laver Arena following the defeat.
"These are heartbreaking pictures of Mrs Nadal, who knows her husband better than anyone else and knows that Rafa is not faking anything here,” Becker said on his Eurosport show “Matchball Becker”.
“He is perhaps the best fighter, the best competitor tennis has ever had. If he has to go down on his knees at the end and then takes a long goodbye to his audience in Melbourne, then those are clear signs for me.”
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Despite winning both the Australian Open and French Open titles to move to a record 22 Grand Slam titles in 2022, injuries impacted the second half of Nadal's season leading to a dip in form ahead of his arrival in Melbourne.
Following the retirement of rival and friend Roger Federer last year, Becker believes that 36-year-old Nadal could well follow sooner rather than later, and questioned if he would even be at the Australian Open 12 months from now.
“We talked for a long time about the change of generations - we're watching it live right now. Roger Federer is no longer playing and there are a lot of question marks behind Nadal now.
“I think he will want to play Paris again. But I don't know if he will take on Australia again. That's why we should celebrate him as long as we have him."
Speaking afterwards, Nadal explained why he insisted on continuing the match, but was unsure about the severity of the injury.
“I didn't ask my team, I'm old enough to make my own decisions,” he said. “Being the defending champion, I did not want to retire here. Just try your best till the end no matter the chances, that is the philosophy of the sport."
He added: "I can't say I'm not destroyed mentally because I would be lying. It's hard, but hopefully it's nothing too bad.
"I really hope that it doesn't put me out of the court for a long time.”
Becker praised Nadal for his determination to finish the match, suggesting his frank and honest response should be a shining example to other players.
"He never looks for an excuse. He didn't want to get off the court. He is an idol for all young players who always have arguments why they lost today, but don't look in the mirror. Because it's always because of yourself.
“I wish him a quick recovery and that he is fit again soon, because I want to see him play tennis”.
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