Rafael Nadal going through ‘complicated’ rehab from injury with clear message to rivals

Rafael Nadal is “determined” to get back fighting for Grand Slam titles after a season plagued by injury. Nadal, 35, is currently undergoing rehab for a foot problem which forced the 20-time Grand Slam champion to miss Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.

 

He has been receiving treatment in Barcelona and is likely to be off the court for several weeks.

However, the tennis legend has sent a clear message to his rivals that despite the setback, he is no intention of retiring. 

When asked about his current physical condition, Nadal told Punto de Break: “I’ve been better, but I’m fine. A little sore from the foot.

“It is a time that is a bit complicated on a personal and professional level.

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“Honestly, with the illusion of improving and facing a process that is going to be difficult and painful at some point, but that I have to go through to get back in a position to fight for what I want.

“I am determined to do it.”

His pledge comes in the same week the former world no 1 dropped out of the top five in the ATP rankings, with Russian player Andrey Rublev pushing him into sixth place.

Novak Djokovic comfortably retains top spot, although his US Open final defeat to Daniil Medvedev does mean Nadal, and Roger Federer, remained tied with the Serbian for the record number of Grand Slam wins.

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Nadal has hardly played since being beaten by Djokovic in the semi-final at this year’s French Open – a tournament the clay-court specialist has dominated with 13 of his 20 major titles coming at Roland Garros.

He then withdrew from Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics, revealing he had aggravated an ongoing foot injury during the tournament.

He made his return at the ATP 500 in Washington, winning one tight three-setter before losing another, and travelled to Canada for the Toronto Masters but withdrew on the eve of his opening match and flew home to consult his personal doctor ahead of the US Open.

Less than two weeks before the Grand Slam tournament at Flushing Meadows was due to begin, the Spaniard took to social media to announce he was ending his season early and hoping to be back for 2022.

In his statement, he explained: “Honestly, I have been suffering a lot more than I should with my foot for a year and I need to take some time.

I am (determined) to do whatever it takes to regain the best possible shape, to continue competing for the things that really motivate me and the things that I have done during all these years.

“I am convinced that with the recovery of the foot and obviously a very important daily effort this can be achieved. I will work as hard as I can to make it happen.”

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