Rafael Nadal: "My rib is still very disabling and very painful"

Sunday, 01 May 2022 at 08:30

Updated at Saturday, 22 June 2024 at 11:55

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byZachary Wimer

Rafael Nadal arrived at the 2022 Madrid Open as one of the biggest favorites to win the title, but his physical condition is yet to be discovered as the Spaniard opened up about some details.

In March 2022, at the 2022 Indian Wells, Nadal sustained a stress fracture in his rib. In the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event, he was defeated by Taylor Fritz in straight sets after starting the 2022 season undefeated, recording his first loss of the year.

Following that, the Spaniard was declared out for up to six weeks, putting his participation in the Roland Garros in jeopardy. He will, however, be back in play at the 2022 Madrid Open.

Nadal has now spoken up about the injury, revealing he has been unable to practice much in preparation for his return. As he prepares to return to the court next week, the experienced Spaniard said that his rib condition has been "disabling" and "painful".

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"I have trained very little, because the rib is very disabling and also very painful. I had two very bad weeks and afterwards it has been very, very disabling. I haven't been able to do practically anything, but it's here, at home, in Madrid."

A few days ago, Nadal celebrated 20 years on the ATP Tour. During his time among the professionals, he experienced many injuries, but comebacks as well. That's also one of the reasons why there are no real doubts about the Spaniard missing the 2022 Roland Garros, as he appears to have the situation under control despite the worrying narrative.

"So I trust that the daily training will help me to get ready. Here the demand is maximum, but what can be done is going to be done. The most important thing is to be healthy, but I think that going to Paris I'm on time. Three weeks are enough to get competitive."