Rafael Nadal suffers a Grade 2 injury to the Iliopsoas, out for close to two months

An MRI scan has shown that World No. 1 Tennis player Rafael Nadal has suffered a Grade 2 injury to the Iliopsoas and will be out for 6-8 weeks.

Nadal got injured while playing in the second set of the second round of the Australian Open, a match he lost 4-6 4-6 5-7 to America's youngster Mackenzie McDonald.

His loss abruptly ended his title defense and bid for a record-extending 23 Grand Slam titles, and is his first loss to an American at a major outside the US.

Nadal would later say in the press conference after the match that he didn't retire after the injury because he felt he could see the match through.

"I thought about retiring, I was not able to hit the backhand or run at all, but I wanted to finish the match. I didn't ask my team if I should retire or not. I'm old enough to take my decisions. Didn't want to retire as the defending champion. Tried my best till the end," he said.

Considering the period in which he will be out, Nadal will miss a return to Dubai and is doubtful for Indian Wells and Miami Open, but should be available for the clay season.

Also, he is in danger of leaving the Top 10 for the first time in 19 years if he misses the next two months.