There will be no one like this man. And the whole tennis world will agree with what the commentator said, seeing Rafael Nadal make an early exit from the Melbourne courts today. It was an emotional moment for the fans on and off the Tennis Court and also on Twitter. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear that he is not thinking of retirement now, but seeing his condition, his fans fear the opposite.
While Rafa fans were all pumped up to see their tennis ace secure an amazing victory in the second round of the Australian Open. When the match started, everything was smooth, but with time, the Tennis Legend faced an unexpected hip injury.
Fans thank Rafael Nadal as his retirement rumors gains traction
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The official twitter account of the Rafael Nadal Academy shared a video of the 22-time Grand Slam champion and made the Tennis world realize that a legendary Era is coming to an end. And a lot of things might change for the Spaniard after this unexpected injury. Not only the fans, even the commentator of the match believed that this might be the Spaniards’ ‘Beginning of the end’ walk off from the tennis court and sounded like more of a retirement tribute to the tennis legend.
GRACIAS, RAFA.
UNA Y MIL VECES… GRACIAS‼️ pic.twitter.com/a4SAuKcwKK— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) January 18, 2023
Seeing the emotional departure, fans cannot stop themselves and bombed the comment section with a lot of positive, but at the same time stirring comments. Here are some comments. Overhearing the commentator’s words, a fan wrote, “I can’t…He is so precious.” While another thanked and wrote, “Thank you for existing.”(translated from Google)
I can’t…😭😭😭😭😭😭 He is so precious. https://t.co/sTV9jDg07t
— Mellisa Say (@mellisasay) January 18, 2023
Gracias por existir https://t.co/5WiRxjEdfC
— Ceci (@Cecijb03) January 18, 2023
Some fans showed their love as a part of their support. A fan wrote, “We love you,@RafaelNadal, Always! :}”, while others couldn’t believe that this was actually happening, “I can’t believe it NOO” (translated from Goggle)
We love you, @RafaelNadal, Always! :}
— specialsmiley (@Ianto_back2_TW) January 18, 2023
No lo puedo creer NOOO
— silvia diaz (@diazsilsil) January 18, 2023
Additionally, a fan pointed out that this might be because of Rafa Jr. and wrote, “I think that paternity worries, my life!!! Since RAFA jr was born he hasn’t won? How difficult! I love you more than ever.”(translated from Google)
Yo creo que la paternidad le genera preocupación 💙 mi vida!!! Desde q nació RAFA jr no gana ? Q dificil ! Te Amo ma q nunca ❤️❤️
— silvia diaz (@diazsilsil) January 18, 2023
Nevertheless, a fan also blamed Mark Petchey, the commentator, for the same. Subsequently, he wrote, “Gracias Rafa!!! Also shut up Mark Petchey! You ruined this moment with your talk of retirement!
Gracias Rafa!!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 Also shut up Mark Petchey! You ruined this moment with your talk of retirement! https://t.co/A05XMUe4l6
— Andel (@Prettyangeltoo) January 18, 2023
Here are some more comments.
Honor Rafael!!🇪🇸 https://t.co/Tmg48u1J0Y
— Jorge mayordomo sanc (@mayordomo_jorge) January 18, 2023
VAMOS RAFA ❤️ https://t.co/Jh7Ksneris
— Jitin Sharma (@jitin84) January 18, 2023
Cya real soon champ! Gracias❤️ We love ya Rafa🐐 https://t.co/rYRUVwfHB9
— fedalinka (@falinkaboo) January 18, 2023
Siempre cabeza alta Rafa. 🙌 https://t.co/LyHJm8g4iv
— Guille⚡️⚡️Shelby®️ (@GuilleJM8) January 18, 2023
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️ https://t.co/LQObxsQxPD
— BUNADAL | PARASIEMPRE (@nadalbestever) January 18, 2023
Along with the tennis world, the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s wife who was present in the audience to cheer her husband was seen shedding tears.
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Nadal’s wife Maria Perello was in distress during his second round match
After taking a medical break during the game, the Spaniard returned, looking devastated and even teary-eyed. Following the break, everyone had the impression that there was a problem. The former world number one found it difficult to impose himself on the court and eventually lost the match in straight sets.
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After Nadal was seen struggling from what looked like a hip injury, his wife was unable to hold back her tears. Following this loss, Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles is in danger of being equaled by his archrival Novak Djokovic. With many prominent stars either withdrawing or skipping the first Grand Slam, the Serbian tennis legend will be the favorite to lift his 10th Australian Open title.
Who do you think will win the Australian Open 2023 title? Let us know in the comments.