Australian Open 2023 [Men] - Grand Slam

[tented]

I will say Rafa will wait for McKenzie to serve this set out and retire, no point going on like this,sad to say

He could be doing like he did against Ferrer in 2010: play it to the end even though he knows he’s going to lose.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Rafa please retire, your only going to make things worse

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

He could be doing like he did against Ferrer in 2010: play it to the end even though he knows he’s going to lose.

He could be doing more damage, thats what I fear

 

[tented]

He could be doing more damage, thats what I fear

Well, with the Ferrer match he asked the doctor if he would make the situation worse if he kept playing. The doctor said no so he finished the match. Could be similar to this.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It is Rafa's left hip abductor,I have had that injury it is painful and does take time to heal

 

[El Dude]

Just tuned in. The guy is obviously hurting. Not sure why he's continuing - if he honestly thinks he can play three more sets, let alone two days from now. Maybe he's being stubborn, or maybe its a respect thing - wanting to give McDonald a clean victory. On the other hand, this is Rafael Nadal we're talking about and we know he's never out until he's out.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It is the curse of the AO again for Rafa, there is no point going on with a left abductor injury, I know, I have been there and done that

 

[Moxie]

Well, with the Ferrer match he asked the doctor if he would make the situation worse if he kept playing. The doctor said no so he finished the match. Could be similar to this.

That one happened fairly early, IIRC, and he'd retired out the year before? He wasn't going to retire out, if he could manage it all all, and he was playing a friend. I think he's still giving himself a shot here.

 

[El Dude]

McDonald 9-5 when up two sets to none. Not a great record. Announcers speculating that might be why Rafa is staying in.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

What is the point even if he manages to win Rafa has just 24 hours to get over a left hip injury at age 36?

 

[El Dude]

Meanwhile, Felix is up 4-1 in the 5th set.

 

[Moxie]

Just tuned in. The guy is obviously hurting. Not sure why he's continuing - if he honestly thinks he can play three more sets, let alone two days from now. Maybe he's being stubborn, or maybe its a respect thing - wanting to give McDonald a clean victory. On the other hand, this is Rafael Nadal we're talking about and we know he's never out until he's out.

I think stubborn, and respect. He's had so much bad luck in Oz...and he's not really into quitting.

 

[El Dude]

What is the point even if he manages to win Rafa has just 24 hours to get over a left hip injury at age 36?

Look at his body language, sitting on the bench - he doesn't want to quit and say goodbye to Australia like this. Maybe he just needs time to accept things. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires the match, if McDonald breaks him.

 

[tented]

That one happened fairly early, IIRC, and he'd retired out the year before? He wasn't going to retire out, if he could manage it all all, and he was playing a friend. I think he's still giving himself a shot here.

Yeah, he pulled a groin muscle in I believe the first game during the Ferrer match in 2011 (not 2010, as I wrote earlier; that was the year he retired against Murray when he hurt his knee).

 

[El Dude]

McDonald is hardly putting the pressure on.

 

[tented]

Look at his body language, sitting on the bench - he doesn't want to quit and say goodbye to Australia like this. Maybe he just needs time to accept things. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires the match, if McDonald breaks him.

If McDonald breaks him, Rafa will go through the motions to let his opponent have the win.

 

[Nadalfan2013]

Nadal was not winning this year’s Australian open, he has been in bad form. Nothing could ever beat his epic win last year.

Congratulations Rublev on defeating Djokovic in the QF and winning your first grand slam!

 

[El Dude]

Nadal was not winning this year’s Australian open, he has been in bad form.

Congratulations Rublev on defeating Djokovic in the QF and winning your first grand slam!

I could get on board with that - would love to see Rublev win a Slam. But he's too one-dimensional, I think.

 

[Moxie]

He may not have a hip, but he still has a left arm.

 

[the AntiPusher]

It's the curse of Johnny Favorite.. Rafa's deal with Louis Cypher has come to a head and Rafa's dues are too be paid at his house of horrors again..