‘I am going to keep fighting’: Rafael Nadal blames injuries and tough opponents for heartbreaking Australian Open defeat as long term girlfriend Xisca Perello looks devastated in the stands
- Rafael Nadal remained humble after losing the Australian Open men’s final
- The world number two lost to Serbian Novak Djokovic in spectacular fashion
- Nadal, 32, said he intends to ‘keep fighting’ after a year marred by injuries
- His long-term girlfriend Xisca Perello painted a morose figure from the stands
Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal has vowed to fight on after being denied his 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne Park by Serbian star Novak Djokovic.
The world number two player fell at the hands of the world number one on Sunday night in the Australian Open men’s final in straight sets.
Following the spectacular defeat, Nadal addressed the crowd, thanking his family, friends, team and long-term girlfriend Xisca Perello, who painted a morose figure from the stands.
Rafael Nadal has vowed to ‘keep fighting’ after spectacularly losing the Australian Open final
His long-term girlfriend Xisca Perello (pictured next to man in yellow) painted a morose figure in the stands following the stunning straight sets loss
Nadal heaped praise on his opposition following the defeat, telling the stunned crowd Djokovic deserved every point of the match.
‘It was an amazing level of tennis tonight and during both weeks [from Djokovic],’ Nadal said.
Djokovic, taking home his 15th Grand Slam title, returned serve.
‘I would like to return the favour and obviously give compliments to Rafa’s couple of weeks,’ Djokovic said.
‘Obviously a tough match tonight, but as you said, you came back from an injury that took you out from the tour since September last year and you were unfortunate throughout your career to go through some major injuries.
‘But you’re showing to me and to all your other colleagues and many young tennis players around the world what is the definition of the fighting spirit and resilience, so thank you for that.’
Ms Perello has stayed by Nadal’s side through a turbulent 2018 marred by recurring injuries
Nadal had a turbulent 2018, undergoing surgery after bowing out of the 2018 Australian Open with an injury.
Recurring knee and ankle issues sidelined him for much of the 2018 tour, with speculation surrounding the possibility of him missing the 2019 tournament in Melbourne.
‘It’s been an emotional two weeks. Even if tonight wasn’t my best day, of course, I had somebody who played much better than me, but it has been a very important two weeks for me,’ Nadal said in his post-match speech.
‘I have been going through tough moments during the last year. I only had the chance to play nine events and had to retire in two, including this one, which was a painful one.
‘Since the US Open, I was not able to play a professional match before the first round of the Australian Open, so even if tonight was not my night, it was so important to be where I am today when coming back from injury.
‘I really believe that I played a great two weeks of tennis and that will be a good inspiration for me what is coming [up].’
The couple have reportedly dated since 2005, though Ms Perello said she prefers not to tour
They will now look ahead to the French Open in Paris, where Nadal’s clay surface play style will be on full display
Cheering and clapping at every won point was Nadal’s long-term partner.
The couple have reportedly been dating for more than a decade, but have made no announcements of engagement or marriage.
The reclusive and secretive girlfriend is not always a stalwart at Nadal’s matches, famously saying in 2011 that he ‘needs his space’ when he’s competing and she doesn’t want to be a ‘distraction’.
The couple will now look ahead to the French Open in Paris in May, where Nadal’s clay surface play style will be on full display.