Nadal limps out of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal’s bid to land the “Rafa Slam” ended in frustration today as injury contributed to his exit from the Australian Open for the second successive year.

Nadal injured his left hamstring early in his last-eight clash with David Ferrer and his Spanish compatriot took full advantage to go through 6-4 6-2 6-3 and secure a semi-final spot against Andy Murray.

The world number one had to pull out of his quarter-final against Murray 12 months ago to the day with a knee problem when two sets down before going on to win at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

He arrived in Melbourne aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles simultaneously.