For the first time since 2000, the Australian Open men’s singles draw will be without Rafael Nadal and the now retired Roger Federer in the third round.
An injured Nadal crashed out of the grand slam in shock scenes to American Mackenzie McDonald on Wednesday after falling a set and break down early.
And there’s fears it’s the last we’ve seen of Nadal in Australia, as he took his time enjoying the farewell the crowd gave him before making his way up the tunnel.
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“You never know what to read into moments like that,” tennis great Jim Courier said.
“This might be the last time here – let’s hope its not. If it is, he’s certainly left a big mark.”
Pulling up lame midway through the second set, the reigning champion took an injury time out and bravely opted to play on before ultimately losing in three sets 6-4 6-4 7-5.
“We’ll never know if McDonald would have won this one straight up without the injury, but he was in command. He was up a set and a break when his body betrayed him,” Courier said.
“Nadal was struggling to find his game – has been since he suffered an abdominal injury at Wimbledon last year.
“This is far more troubling for Nadal than just not being in form. He’s now not in fitness.
“How long will it be until we’ll see him out competing again? Time will tell.”
It was a sad way for the two-time Australian Open champion to bow out, in his worst result since his first round exit back in 2016.
Fans at Rod Laver Arena gave the tennis great a massive standing ovation as he departed, while McDonald labelled his opponent “an incredible champion”.
Social media lit up with praise of Nadal given his determination to play, “likely against medical advice”, according to Courier.
“I hope we get the opportunity to have him back in Australia next year,” commentator Todd Woodbridge said.
