Rafael Nadal fuels retirement rumours following his cryptic social media post upon exit from the 2023 Australian Open

The 22-time Grand Slam champion spark retirement rumors after his social media post following exit from 2023 Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal fuels retirement rumours following his cryptic social media post upon exit from the 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal bidding adieu to Australian Open crowd (Image Credit: ATP Tour)

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal‘s journey at the 2023 Australian Open stopped in the second round. He could not make it past World No.65 Mackenzie McDonald and was defeated in three sets 4-6, 4-6, 7-5.

This is the 18th time he has participated in the Australian Open in his career. However, this is the first time, he has been knocked out of this competition in the second-round in his career. His injury woes also increased as a hip injury scare engulfed him and affected his performance on the court.

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This has led to many speculations about his retirement. Also, his first social media post straight after the loss also encouraged media and tennis fans around the globe to create many theories.

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Rafael Nadal's social media post (Image Credit: Instagram)
Rafael Nadal’s social media post (Image Credit: Instagram)

This is not the first time, however, the Spaniard has gone through such difficult times. He has recovered from numerous injuries in his career to return stronger. The current World No.2 was also knocked out of the Australian Open in the first round in 2016. He was defeated by compatriot Fernando Verdasco in a five set thriller. That marks his worst performance in any Grand Slam tournament in his career.

Related: WATCH: Rafael Nadal apologizes after accidentally hitting a ball kid during his second-round defeat at the Australian Open

Is Rafael Nadal going to retire?

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

The year 2022 was an emotional season for everybody. Many great tennis players decided to retire from the professional sport. Australian tennis legends Ash Barty and Sam Stosur were the first two who began this trend. The three-time Grand Slam champion shocked the world when she decided to retire after winning her career’s first Australian Open title.

Sam Stosur decided to retire from the singles event last year but continued to play in the doubles and mixed doubles events. This year, she decides to retire from professional tennis altogether. The Australian Open 2023 will mark the last Grand Slam tournament of her career.

Serena Williams too, retired after being knocked out of the US Open 2022. She got a warm farewell. The 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer also decided to draw the curtains on his glorious career. He was given an emotional farewell at the Laver Cup 2022 in London. So, the question is, will Rafael Nadal also be going the same path.

However, until now, the Spaniard has dodged the question of a possible retirement. When he lost against Cameron Norrie in the singles match at the United Cup 2023, many reporters and journalists asked him about retirement.

“When the day arrives, I’m going to let you know, guys. Don’t keep going (on) with the retirement, because I’m here to keep playing tennis,” he had said.

Many believe that the day has arrived in Rafael Nadal’s career when he must make the difficult decision. However, the call must be his. Meanwhile, his fans are waiting with bated breath to see him back on court.