Rafael Nadal’s Wife Maria Francisca Perello Sheds Tears Before Shock Australian Open Exit

Rafael Nadal’s Wife Maria Francisca Perello Sheds Tears Before Shock Australian Open Exit

Martin Moses
updated at August 9, 2023 at 9:31 AM
  • Rafael Nadal was unfortunately eliminated from the Australian Open after struggling with a leg injury.
  • The 36-year-old had to seek medical attention with his wife shedding tears in the stands.
  • His title defence ended as American Mackenzie McDonald took full advantage of his injury.

Rafael Nadal's wife Maria Francisca Perello broke down in tears as her husband struggled with an injury during the Australian Open.

Perello has often been seen on the courtside supporting her husband but had to undergo a painful watch on January 18th as Nadal struggled with a leg injury.

Rafael Nadal, Australian Open, Maria Francisca Perello
Rafael Nadal and his Wife Maria Francisca Perello at the Australian Open on January 18th. Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/Daniel Pockett
Source: Getty Images

Nadal was in action against Mackenzie McDonald but injury prevented the World Number 2 from performing at his optimum.

McDonald eventually got the better of the Spanish icon in straight sets of 6-4 6-4 7-5 at the Rod Laver Arena. He admitted that it wasn't the ideal way to get the victory against the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

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Nadal, was hoping to defend the title he won last year but required a medical time-out before bowing out. It is Nadal's earliest exit from the Australian Open since 2016.

As BBC reports, the Spanish star put on a show of a lifetime in last year's final to recover from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev. He then followed it up by winning the French Open in June.

He however picked up an injury at Wimbledon as questions continue to arise over his long-term future. His long-time rival and friend Roger Federer retired last year after constant injury issues.

Naomi Osaka's major news

Sports Brief had earlier reported that tennis superstar Naomi Osaka revealed she is expecting her first child as fans finally got to understand why she pulled out of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Osaka posted a photo of a scan on her Instagram on Wednesday, January 11 with a caption explaining her delightful life update.

The four-time Grand Slam winner did not give an official reason for her withdrawal last week, with speculation on her mental health being the issue once again. Osaka further revealed her plans to get back to tennis as early as 2024, and she hopes her child will be able to watch her play for a long time.

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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)
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