Spanish legend Rafael Nadal is making drastic progress following surgery and was spotted training in the gym as he embarks on a potential farewell tour in 2024.
Images and videos of Nadal hitting the gym were posted and shared on Instagram by sources close to the Spanish star, who in June, underwent arthroscopic surgery. Nadal injured his left hip flexor at this year's Australian Open, and his prolonged absence from the Tour started to cause panic in the tennis fraternity.
Nadal hasn't hit the tennis courts just yet, as doctors advise for a lengthy period of tendon regeneration. Nonetheless, a video of Nadal taking his first steps on a treadmill should give all tennis fanatics some respite and cause of to be optimistic for the upcoming season.
When Nadal missed the entire clay swing including his beloved Roland Garros where he's won a record 14 titles, it cast further doubt on whether he was going to play again this season and in the foreseeable future. He's played just four matches all season.
Nadal came forward to unleash a groundbreaking press conference on the eve of this year's French Open where he confirmed his intention to take a leave of absence to undergo surgery and begin the long road of rehab. He also made a shocking announcement that 2024 could be his final year on Tour.
Nadal has since undergone successful surgery to repair the left psoas tendon injury and stayed in a period of limited rehabilitation for at least 10 days before resuming his normal life. He oversaw the graduation ceremony at his Academy of 49 young students where WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek was in attendance.
The 37-year-old had been vacationing with his wife Maria Francisca Perello in Greece, with many fans getting a glimpse of the 22-time Grand Slam champion on the streets of Athens and posing for pictures.