A distraught Rafael Nadal claims that pride played a significant role in his choice to continue playing despite being injured during his shocking Australian Open loss because he did not want to give up the match as the reigning champion.
In their second-round match on Rod Laver Arena, Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to unseeded American Mackenzie McDonald.
Before the hip soreness that plagued the 22-time major singles champion flared up in the second set against McDonald, who was ranked 65th, it had been present for "a couple of days."
The 36-year-old was obviously in pain after receiving treatment, and for the rest of the game, his movement was limited.
Nadal was hampered by a hip injury in his loss to Mackenzie McDonald
Despite the discomfort he was feeling, he said he was committed to finishing the game.
Nadal was defending champion at Melbourne Park