2011 Australian Open: Ailing Rafael Nadal Falls in the Quarterfinals

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at Internationaled.org

Published: January 26, 2011

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World No. 1 Rafa Nadal's quest for four Grand Slam titles in a row came to an end tonight, heartbreaking news for his millions of fans around the world. A new record was not meant to be set, not this year at the Australian Open.

Fellow Spaniard and No. 7 David Ferrer held his composure to eliminate Nadal in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. Ferrer advances to his second Grand Slam semifinal to face fifth seed and British No. 1 Andy Murray.

At the time Nadal was interviewed in the tunnel before entering the court, he said he was fine. But after the grueling 17-minute and 22-shot game, when he was broken in his first service game it was found to be otherwise, although he broke back right away.

In the post-match interview, he repeated, "Here, seriously, before the match of today I started to feel that I am playing much better and I am very healthy and don’t have no problem in general."

Nadal called for a medical timeout and exited with his racket in his hand into the tunnel to return after a little more than seven minutes. It was unclear (and is still unclear) what the injury was about. An ATP physio saw him during the changeover after the fifth game.

Speculations over his injury continued: Leg, ankle, stomach tear, etc. until he began stretching his left leg at the conclusion of seventh game. Nadal was constantly talking to his box on every possible occasion, with his grimaced look. It was inaudible what he was saying.

He continued to play, though his movement was severely compromised. Due to this, he trailed 2-5 in the first set, mostly missing from his backhand side. Nadal broke back and held his serve to trail by only one break, 4-5.

In the ninth game changeover, he was heard telling the trainer, "After the set."

Australia Day fireworks came at the conclusion of the fifth game, second set. It must have given Nadal some relief, as the match was adjourned for ab...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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