Rafael Nadal not definite for Australian Open: "I had a small sensation, not a good one, in a similar place where I had the surgery"
After his marathon loss in Brisbane, Rafa gave a uncertain update about his health in press and on social media.
The discussion over Rafael Nadal's 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3 loss to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International immediately turned to the 37-year-old's health. Nadal took an off-court medical timeout after a love hold from Thompson put the Spaniard two games from defeat.
Thompson was pushed to the limit by Nadal, who returned to action for the first time in nearly a year after arthroscopic hip surgery. Afterward, Rafa gave an update on his condition over social media, and in press.
"I had a small sensation, not a good one, in a similar place where I had the surgery," Nadal wrote on Instagram, "but it’s too early to say anything. Hopefully it’s a charged muscle and in the next days I’ll make some more tests. If it’s only a charged muscle it’s been a very positive week."
In press, Nadal elaborated on his leg pain—and being “one ball away” from beating Thompson.
"Tired, of course," were Nadal's opening words about how he was feeling after the contest, which lasted three hours and 25 minutes. "Sad, in this moment, because I had plenty of opportunities."
On the medical timeout, Nadal felt he needed "to see how I wake up tomorrow morning"—later tonight, in the U.S.—and that caution, despite his rehab, was still prudent.
"I know after a year, it's difficult for the body to be playing tournaments at the highest level," said Nadal. "And when the things are becoming more difficult, you don't know how your body [is] going to react."
I hope it's not important, and I hope to the chance to be practicing next week and to play Melbourne, but honestly, I am not 100 percent sure of anything now. Rafael Nadal
Watch Nadal's full press conference in the video at the top of this article.