Rafael Nadal’s 2024 comeback has only just begun. But is it about to hit a roadblock already, with Nadal having played only 3 competitive matches? Scenes from Nadal’s Brisbane International quarterfinal contest suggest that just might be the case. Nadal, facing a determined Aussie in Jordan Thompson, could be seen massaging his upper thigh and hip area during a break. The Spanish legend also pointed to his box.

Unsurprisingly, these scenes didn’t take much time to break the internet, and Nadal fans were shocked to say the least. They can only hope that it’s just a false alarm, and Nadal’s Australian Open chances aren’t derailed as a result.

Concern grips Rafael Nadal loyalists after Brisbane International scenes go viral

At the 2023 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal suddenly pulled up during his match against Mackenzie McDonald. At the time, no one would have thought that it would mean almost a year out for the 22-time Grand Slam winner. However, that’s what ultimately happened as Nadal took all the time he possibly could to recover from a complex hip surgery. Naturally, when scenes of Nadal massaging himself at the 2023 Brisbane International spread like wildfire, his fans became concerned.

One fan seemed to take a resigned stance, stating how Nadal would have won many more Grand Slams than his great rival Novak Djokovic.

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Another Nadal loyalist seemed already concerned regarding the Spaniard’s Australian Open chances.

Yet another fan experienced the heart flutter after the eyes witnessed the worrying scenes.

Yet another fan nearly choked in sadness.

Last but not least, one fan quite firmly is of the opinion that Nadal’s age and past injury record simply don’t allow him to perform at his best anymore.

While Nadal continued playing after this concerning moment, only he knows if he is feeling alright. For Nadal fans, it would be devastating if there truly is yet another injury problem that stalls Nadal from mounting a proper challenge in what many believe will be his final season on the ATP tour.

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Rafael Nadal loses as Jordan Thompson leaves the home crowd in raptures

The first set went to Nadal 7-5, but it was already quite evident that Thompson would give the Spanish legend a tough time. In the second, Thompson took his level up a notch or two, and it worked! He took Nadal into a tiebreak, but just when it felt like Thompson was starting to get the better of the veteran, Nadal himself sprang a surprise and took a commanding lead in the tiebreak.

However, Thompson bounced back and ultimately saved multiple match points to clinch the set. In the deciding set, Nadal was reeling, and Thompson went all-in. In the end, Thompson won the match 5-7, 7-6, 6-3. While Thompson heads into the Brisbane International semis with Grigor Dimitrov lying in wait, for Rafael Nadal fans, it’s a whole different story, as they are set to find out how serious their idol’s health is after such a grueling contest.

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