Rafael Nadal embraced another easy practice session on clay at home in Mallorca. A 22-time Major champion withdrew from Indian Wells and Miami, needing more time to recover from an injury and hoping to compete again in Monte Carlo or Barcelona in April. Nadal experienced a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury in the Australian Open second round, already skipping four tournaments and dropping out from the top-10 after Indian Wells for the first time in almost 18 years! Rafa has yet to reveal his comeback tournament, with his recovery going slower than they expected. Nadal was in a great position to finish the previous season at the top at 36 after conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Rafa led the ATP Race despite injuries and setbacks, seeking the third consecutive Major crown at Wimbledon. The Spaniard ousted Taylor Fritz following an incredible five-setter in the quarter-final, prevailing in over four hours despite apparent issues. The veteran revealed a seven-millimeter abdominal tear and withdrew ahead of the semi-final duel with Nick Kyrgios.
Rafael Nadal hopes to play again in Monte Carlo or Barcelona.
Despite giving his best to recover, it remains Nadal’s last notable tournament. The Spaniard scored three wins at the US Open before losing to Frances Tiafoe, struggling with pain and staying away from the court for two months. Never enjoying indoor conditions, Nadal could not find the pace after a long break, losing four consecutive matches for the first time since 2009! The year-end no. 1 battle became the mission impossible, and Rafa embraced an off-season, hoping for a fresh start in 2023, similar to the one he had a year ago. Instead, he has played only four matches this year, losing three and sealing his fate in the top-10!
Not feeling at his best, Rafa gave everything while seeking the Australian Open title defense. He overpowered the young Briton Jack Draper and faced Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. The American proved too strong and scored a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph for a place in the third round. Rafa injured his left hip in the second set’s closing stages, refusing to retire and giving his 120% in the third. However, he suffered a late break to propel the rival over the top and drop almost 2000 ATP points. After further checks, Nadal revealed a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury that forced him to miss Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami. Rafa started with basic preparations on clay, giving his everything to recover by Monte Carlo or Barcelona.