Rafael Nadal has been practicing at home in Mallorca for the last four days, doing his best to recover from a rib injury. Nadal had to skip his favorite events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and will try to make a return in front of the home fans in Madrid in May. While Tony Nadal believes that Rafa will recover in time for Madrid, Carlos Moya is more moderated with predictions. He revealed that Rafa still feels slight pain, but they are all hoping the things will improve by the time of the season’s fourth Masters 1000 event. Nadal claimed 680 points in Monte Carlo and Barcelona last year, and he will try to regain them in Madrid, where he lost in the final eight a year ago.
Rafa has won 20 out of 21 matches in 2022, making the best start of the season and halting his progress after that rib injury in Indian Wells. The Spaniard played only two encounters after the last year’s Roland Garros, wrapping up the season in August with an ongoing left foot injury. Rafa made a fresh start this January, playing with no pressure and trying to shape his form. Instead, he kicked off the season with an ATP 250 title in Melbourne and his second Australian Open crown. Rafa secured the record-breaking 21st Major crown in Melbourne and lifted the first Australian Open crown in 13 years to write history books.
Rafael Nadal is back on the practice court after skipping four weeks.
Eager to play more tennis, Nadal secured the fourth Acapulco title with victories over Daniil Medvedev and Cameron Norrie for a perfect 15-0 start. Seeking the fourth consecutive title of the season in Indian Wells, Rafa played well to reach the 53rd Masters 1000 title match. In the quarter-final, a three-time champion prevailed over Nick Kyrgios to set a thrilling clash against the young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. Feeling the pain in his left rib, Nadal battled past the youngster 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in three hours and 12 minutes, giving his best to cross the finish line first and remain on the title course. Fighting for the 37th Masters 1000 crown, Rafa experienced a 6-3, 7-6 loss to Taylor Fritz in two hours and six minutes. The more experienced player squandered his chances in the second set to settle for the runner-up prize and suffer his first defeat in 2022. Nadal went home to Barcelona and discovered that he had a fractured rib. The Spaniard had to stay away from the court for a month, and he will do his best to recover in time for the Madrid Masters.