Rafael Nadal said he was " destroyed mentally " after his second-round loss at the Australian Open on Wednesday left him with a serious injury. But the 36-year-old reigning champion said he loves tennis and hopes to continue, despite his latest injury. The tall Spaniard was injured stretching for the second round against American Mackenzie McDonald, as she fought back her frustration and lost 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Reaching the second round was her first Grand Slam win since 2016.

Top seed Nadal said he was not sure whether it was a muscle or joint problem in his hip but he was out for "a few days".

"Sometimes it's frustrating, sometimes it's hard to accept, sometimes you're tired of all these things in terms of injuries," said the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

"Now is a difficult time, it's a difficult day and you have to accept it and keep going. You know, in the end, I can't criticize my life at all.

"I just can't say that I am not destroyed mentally at this time, because I will be lying. It's hard for me. But let's see, hopefully it's nothing too bad."

Physical weakness is often required for the Spanish legend's career, and 2022 is another whirlwind year.

After winning the Australian Open, he suffered a broken rib in March before requiring daily painkillers in his left leg to win his 14th French Open in June.

Then his bid for a third Wimbledon crown was derailed by an abdominal injury.

When asked why he continued, Nadal replied: "It's simple: I like what I do. I like playing tennis. I know it's not forever.

“I like the feeling of competition. I like to fight for things that I have been fighting for almost half my life or more. And that's all. It's not that hard to understand."

But he also admits that at his age it is becoming more and more difficult to manage not only the injuries, but also the recovery process, and get back in shape to compete at the level he hopes for.

"The last seven months have been another difficult time," he said. "I don't know what can happen in the future. But again I will avoid a long time outside (sports). "Because otherwise it's hard."

He added: "Let's see how the injury is and see how I manage to follow the schedule."