Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal is in the twilight of his career. The 36-year-old had an amazing 2022, but his injuries meant that the 22-time Grand Slam champion missed out on most of the Tour after Wimbledon. The 36-year-old suffered an abdominal tear in Wimbledon that added to his chronic foot issue.

At the fag end of his career, with multiple fitness issues, this Australian Open could be his last. Here’s how the Australian fans reacted to the possibility of never seeing ‘The King of Clay’ play again in Australia.

Australian fans react as Rafael Nadal hints at ending things

Rafael Nadal has recently admitted that his abdominal injury coupled with the persistent foot issue has affected his game. As we saw, the Spaniard has not been at his best after returning from the injury in the latter half of the 2022 season.

While the 36-year-old is all set to take to the court in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam event of the year, this year might be his last. 7NEWS Melbourne asked Australian tennis fans about the same, and here’s how a couple of them reacted.

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“It’s definitely going to be different with no Rafa, no Roger,” a fan said.

“It would be disappointing. He has obviously had a great career.” another fan said.

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With 22 Major titles to his name, Nadal is at the top of the list for most Grand Slam titles. While the most successful player at the Australian Open has been Novak Djokovic, Nadal utilized his absence last year to clinch his second title Down Under.

Nadal opens up about playing in pain

Rafael Nadal has been suffering from a foot issue for quite some time now. The Spaniard has tried different treatments to get the cure however; the issue is related to the nerve and at a point in time, Nadal thought of quitting tennis because of the same.

While the legend clinched his 14th title at Roland Garros last year, he did it with pain. However, the 36-year-old recently admitted that after the French Open, he has taken pulse radiofrequency injections multiple times to curb the unbearable pain.

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Nadal has been brave in his approach so far. However, with the rising age and injuries affecting his form, it will be interesting to see how long he can continue.

What are your thoughts? Is Nadal playing at the Australian Open for the last time? Let us know in the comments.