When Rafael Nadal sustained a hip flexor injury during his second-round match at the Australian Open in January, it marked the first time Nadal’s wife, Maria Perello, broke down in tears while watching him struggle in pain. However, since then, the situation has changed. Rafael Nadal has resumed full outdoor training in preparation for the Australian Open 2024, which is likely to be his farewell season after undergoing surgery in June.
As Nadal gets back to full fitness, his career record of 112-3 across 18 appearances at the French Open, is still unmatched by any player at any Grand Slam event in the long annals of a sport that dates to the 1800s.
Rafael Nadal’s intense training regimen signals strong comeback
Rafael Nadal recently made waves on his Instagram account by sharing a video of his rigorous indoor training sessions, signaling his return to competitive tennis at the Australian Open 2024. The 22-time Spanish Grand Slam champion is leaving no stone unturned in his comeback preparations. He has now transitioned to training on hard courts, aligning perfectly with his upcoming Australian hard-court swing in the next season.
Nadal’s journey to this point has been marred by an unfortunate injury. It all started during the second round of the 2023 Australian Open when he sustained a psoas injury. Initially, the injury appeared less severe than anticipated, and Nadal was eager to make a swift return. Initial reports suggested a one-month recovery period, but the reality turned out to be quite different.
Prior to Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal announced the premature end of his season, shedding light on the injury that had sidelined him for the rest of the year. He also shared insights into the state of his career. Nadal emphasized that, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, 2024 would likely be his final season on the professional circuit.
Asked about taking a break from the game, Rafael Nadal said: “I’ve got to draw a line and that’s what I’m doing now. Over the next few months I’m going to strengthen my physical state and recuperate. I need to put my career on hold and I’m going to try and regenerate my body. I’m not going to set a deadline – that’s going to be when I will feel ready physically.”
The future remains uncertain and depends on Nadal’s physical condition and his ability to compete at the highest level. In 2023, Novak Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam titles, with the Serbian champion clinching 24 titles, two ahead of Nadal’s 22, while Roger Federer remains distant with 20.
What was the latest Nadal Injury?
Rafael Nadal injured his left hip flexor during the Australian Open earlier this year. The lingering injury has forced Nadal to pull out of the 2023 French Open, a tournament he has dominated since his debut in 2005.
Rafael Nadal’s doctor Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro, one of the three doctors who performed the arthroscopic surgery on Nadal on in June shared the update on atptour.com, he said, “I’m happy because we’ve done what we wanted to. We’re very satisfied and if we respect the recovery times, I think he will be able to recover. Rushing is never a good idea. Its five months, but we’re not pushing for a particular date.”
Nadal’s doctor also revealed that the tennis star will remain in a period of ‘limited rehabilitation’ for 10 days. However, after 10 days, Nadal will be able to go to the pool and ride a bike.
