Whether this is the last time the Australian Open sees the 36-year-old at Melbourne Park remains to be seen. The Spaniard has been written off so many times by a series of careerthreatening injuries only to return.
But his limp 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 second-round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald, during which he aggravated a hip injury, was met by his wife wiping away tears while sat in the stands.
For his part, Nadal (below) described himself as "mentally destroyed" shortly after coming off court and said the pain in the hip, which has been an issue for him in the past, was worse than he had ever encountered before.
Having long struggled with a foot problem, and then been derailed by an abdominal issue at Wimbledon last year, which curtailed his 2022 season, it begs the question how much more the body and mind can take.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin January 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin January 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first
Bukayo Saka
The making of a London icon
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...
The Old Operating Theatre
St Thomas Street, SE1
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers
A poetic puzzlebox
This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify
