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Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal kicked-off his US Open 2022 campaign with a victory over Rinky Hijikata of Australia in the first round match. However, reports have emerged that the record 22-time Grand Slam winner could leave Flushing Meadows to return to his home in Mallorca.
World No 3 Nadal defeated Hijikata 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, 3-6 to start the last grand slam of the year on a high note. Nadal is playing in New York for the first time since defeating Daniil Medvedev in five sets to win the 2019 title.
Reportedly, Nadal will return home mid-tournament as his pregnant wife Maria Francisca Perello was admitted to a clinic in Palma, Mallorca. As per MARCA, Maria was recovering well and the couple's baby is out of danger. However, she is expected to remain in the hospital until at least the 34th week of pregnancy.
The 36-year-old's family is furious with the fact that his wife's medical condition has been revealed to the public and are looking for the person who have disclosed it.
Earlier, Nadal missed the Wimbledon semifinals after sustaining an abdominal injury, which also ruled him out of the Canadian Open 2022 and Spanish team for the Davis Cup 2022, taking place this month.