SUMMARY
- Rafael Nadal took on Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinal clash in Brisbane.
- The Spaniard suffered yet another injury scare.
Rafael Nadal made his much-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International after a long injury layoff. He started his journey on a winning note, but he crashed out in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, Nadal suffered yet another injury scare along the way, posing a big question over his participation in the Australian Open.
Rafa severely injured his psoas muscle at the Australian Open last year. He had to undergo arthroscopic surgery to deal with the issue. After months of rehabilitation and training, Nadal finally announced his return to the courts in Brisbane.
Nadal’s return was nothing short of a fairytale, as he claimed back-to-back victories to book a quarterfinal berth. He took on Jordan Thompson at the Queensland Tennis Center on January 5. Rafa started strong and even played some spectacular shots to win the first set. However, things took a very drastic turn, and Nadal requested an off-court medical timeout in the deciding set.
Rafa Nadal is receiving an off-court medical time out.
He was just saying in press yesterday that he’s able to move without pain & limitations.
He’s worked so hard to get back out here on these courts.
Praying this isn’t something serious. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5DavlAAGpR
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 5, 2024
At the press conference the previous day, Nadal stated that he was playing without pain. This sudden, unfortunate development has raised concerns about his hip issue again.
While Nadal, his team, and his loyal supporters were hoping the timeout was a precaution, he gave an update. He conveyed that he wants to compete at the Australian Open, but at this juncture, he cannot say for certain. Nadal sounded pragmatic when he said, “I need to see how I wake up tomorrow morning.”
Rafa Nadal says he hopes he’ll have the opportunity to play the Australian Open, but he’s not 100% sure right now:
“I need to see how I wake up tomorrow morning. I mean, we have been talking these last days, talking about the positive things. That’s why I am not over-positive… pic.twitter.com/zmrPHfbB2E
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 5, 2024
Rafael Nadal further added that, while it was not the same as the pain he felt last year, it originated in a similar place. He is hoping that it is just supercharged muscles after a rather tough match against Thompson.
Rafael Nadal vs. Jordan Thompson at Brisbane International
Nadal and Thompson went toe-to-toe in their quarterfinal clash. Thompson broke him in the first set, but Nadal returned the favor in the very next game. The Spaniard continued his dominant run as he took the opening set while playing some breathtaking shots.
Jordan fought back valiantly in the second set and saved three match points to claim the second set. He managed to push the match into a decider, and Nadal started feeling the effects of it.
Jordan broke Nadal immediately in the final set, who had lost a bit of steam by then. The Spaniard also picked up what seemed like a new injury, just two games away from defeat. However, when he got back on the court, he made Jordan work hard to win the match. The Australian finally emerged victorious after a grueling three-and-a-half-hour match, defeating Nadal 7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-2.
SCENNEEESSS IN BRISBANE 🤯
Jordan Thompson takes out Rafael Nadal in a three-set 3 hour and 25 minute epic, 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 👏🇦🇺#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/QepoNF7VnS
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 5, 2024
Jordan was ecstatic after the victory. “To beat Rafa in Brissie at home in a quarter-final, I think it’s my first home semi-final, so I couldn’t be happier,” he said (via Daily Express).
Jordan stopped Rafael Nadal’s fairytale return to tennis after a year. The Spaniard will take heart from how he played in the last few matches. Moreover, he will hope the injury is not too serious to keep him from playing at the Australian Open.