Rafael Nadal returned to tennis after a year-long hiatus due to a hip injury. Despite earlier wins in the tournament against Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler, Nadal faced a tougher challenge against Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinal.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal failed to convert two match points in the second set and two more in the tiebreaker. He required a medical timeout in the third set before losing the match 7-5, 6-7(6-8), 3-6 to local boy Thompson.
Nadal who came across two straight-set wins, looked low on energy at the start of the third set of the quarterfinal. When Thompson was leading 4-1, Nadal was assessed by the trainer on the courtside chair, for his upper left leg. He left the court for a medical timeout and returned to playing after 20 minutes.
In the post-match interview, Nadal mentioned that the pain that he felt during the match was in the same place he felt last year.
“It’s a very similar place to what happened last year, but different stuff? I feel more muscle. I mean, for sure, it’s not the same thing like last year at all because when it happened last year. I felt something drastically. Today, I didn’t feel anything. The only problem is because the place is the same, you are a little more scared than usual.”
-Rafael Nadal in the post match interview
He feels that since he has put a lot of effort into his body in the past few days after a year, his muscles are supercharged, and if that’s the reason he will be fine.
“A lot of things can be happening in a body like my body after a year without playing tennis. So, hopefully is just that, just a muscle that is supercharged. It’s a normal process on that. If that’s the thing, everything’s perfect.”
-Rafael Nadal in the post match interview
He further reflected on the positive start at his comeback tournament and hopes to be back to action after doing some tests.
“As I said, I didn’t come here to win tournaments, now? I just came here to try to come back & do it in a positive way. It was a very positive way. I really hope if the feeling on that leg is better & better tomorrow & after tomorrow, then it’s perfect news. If no, as I said we’re going to do a test & lets see.”
-Rafael Nadal in the post match interview
Rafael Nadal falls to Jordan Thompson in front of hometown fans
Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Brisbane International after Jordan Thompson saved three match points to win the match 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-3.
Rafael Nadal dominated Thompson in their previous two meetings without conceding a set to the Australian. But, this time Thompson who was playing in front of a local crowd, played fearless tennis to not only manage to win a set but win the match eventually.
“I completely forgot I saved match points. But to beat Rafa at home in Brizzy in a quarterfinal. I couldn’t be happier. You guys got me through.”
– Jordan Thompson in the post match interview after the quarterfinal match
Nadal who took a medical timeout during the match will hope to be back at the 2024 Australian Open where he received a wildcard entry. Jordan Thompson on the other hand will look to beat Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the final.
