“Beginning of the end,” Injured Rafael Nadal’s second round defeat at the Australian Open leaves fans heartbroken

Social media users are commenting on the shock loss of Rafael Nadal in the second-round of the Australian Open 2023.

“Beginning of the end,” Injured Rafael Nadal’s second round defeat at the Australian Open leaves fans heartbroken

Rafael Nadal after losing in the Australian Open 2023 (Image Credit: SkySports)

The shocking exit of defending champion Rafael Nadal in the second-round of the Australian Open 2023 is going to make media headlines for many days to come. However, his woes with injuries will also demand media attention.

He was visibly struggling against Jack Draper in the first round match of the Australian Open 2023. The match was played for more than three hours and it took four sets and physical issues with the British tennis player, for the current World No.2 to beat him 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.

YouTube video

After that grueling first-round, the Spaniard needed some time to recover from his first-round fatigue. But the lack of rest was visible with Rafael Nadal as he stepped up on the court to take on World No.65 Mackenzie McDonald in the second-round. Thus, he lost 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 to the Americans. Still, a great performance from the 27-year-old.

FS Video

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal’s fans are grieving, but they also believe he will be back soon. Even the French Open is waiting for its most successful player in its history to return to health.

Rafael Nadal is scheduled to play at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2023. He is returning to this tournament after a hiatus of 15 years.

Keep Exploring: WATCH: Alex Molcan smashes racket as Felix Auger-Aliassime clinches a thriller at the Australian Open 2023

Social media is trying hard to make sense of this loss

Rafael Nadal during the match (Image Credit: BBC Sport)
Rafael Nadal during the match (Image Credit: BBC Sport)

Rafael Nadal was one of the favorites to win the Australian Open in 2023. Although, he was lacking in form and his body was not supporting him the way he would have liked to, but he has shown time and again that he has the capacity to bounce back. Even tennis legends believed in him.

Many of his fans may have believed that the Spaniard will bounce back even after losing the first two sets to his opponent, Mackenzie McDonald, in the second-round here at Rod Laver Arena. Both the players won 5 games each in the third set. However, the American was able to break the 36-year-old’s serve in the 10th game. He subsequently won the 11th game, third set, and the match 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Many social media users were left heart-broken when they heard the news of Rafael Nadal’s loss. Many are disappointed and even shocked. Here are a few reactions that came in.

https://twitter.com/afikauncensored/status/1615600091439714305

The 2-time Wimbledon champion would like to redeem himself in the next ATP tournaments of the season. However, his fitness woes would be the highlight for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Mackenzie McDonald will play against the winner of the second-round match between Dalibor Svrcina and Yoshihito Nishioka in the third round of the Australian Open 2023.

Incase you missed it:

Boris Becker finds little truth in Nick Kyrgios’ injury that forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open

WATCH: Jessica Pegula lauds the SHOCKING representation for Buffalo Bills at the Australian Open, pays special tribute to Damar Hamlin with a new accessory