RAFAEL NADAL today called for tennis authorities to think about players’ long-term health after retiring from his quarter-final against Marin Cilic at the Australian Open because of a leg injury.

The world No 1 looked to be on his way to yet another grand slam semi-final when he moved two sets to one in front but he called for the trainer after going a break down in the fourth set.

Nadal took a medical time-out but was clearly hampered in his movement and, after limping around the court for two games at the start of the fifth set, he headed to the net to shake hands.