Rafael Nadal has been struggling with his chest since the later stages of his Indian Wells semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz. Eventually, Rafa won that match, but he lost soon after in the final. However, it was pretty clear that Rafa was struggling and today he gave the horrible news that he will need to rest for 4-6 weeks because of a stress fracture in his rib.
Nadal released the following statement:
“Hello everyone, I wanted to announce that I have returned to Spain and I immediately went to visit my medical team to do the tests after the Indian Wells final that I played with discomfort.
As it turns out, I have a stress crack in one of my ribs and will be out for 4-6 weeks. This is not good news and I did not expect this. I am sad because after the start of the season I have had such a good time.
I reached a very important part of the year with very good feelings and good results. But hey, I’ve always had that fighting and overcoming spirit and what I will do is be patient and work hard after my recovery. Once again thank everyone for the support.”
Unfortunately, it seems that Rafa will miss both Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Ranked no.3, Rafael played his last match on the 20th of March when he lost to world no.13 Taylor Fritz 6-3 7-6(5) in the final in Indian Wells (draw).
This season Nadal has achieved an overall 20-1 win-loss record. Rafael has won 3 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, at the Australian Open and in Acapulco. Rafael was the finalist in Indian Wells.
Rafael Nadal |
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