Rafael Nadal’s 2023 has started in the worst way. The Spaniard not only crashed in the second round of the Australian Open, but suffered a second-degree injury to his iliopsoas during the match against McDonald. The former number 1 in the world will have to stay off the slopes for about two months, a new blow after the innumerable difficulties of recent times.
The 36-year-old man from Manacor will leave the Top 5 at the end of the AO and will have to work hard to get back in shape. The 22-time Slam champion will miss the Dubai ATP 500 for good, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain.
According to the latest reports, it is unlikely that Rafa will risk his physique to compete in the American Masters 1000. The Iberian is more likely to take his time and head straight back to the Monte Carlo clay track. The Spaniard wants to get as close as possible to his great goal of the season, Roland Garros.
Interviewed by ‘El Larguero’, Alex Corretja analyzed Nadal’s prospects in detail. “Rafael Nadal’s goal is to prepare well for clay court tournaments. I don’t think he will risk playing the Masters 1000 on concrete,” said Corretja.
“The last few months have been difficult for him, but we will never forget what he managed to do last year. The victory in Australia was miraculous, without forgetting the triumph in Paris as an injured player. This is the key year for the continuation of his career.
If he realizes that his body is having too much trouble keeping up with the pace necessary for a slam, then he will seriously consider his future. Rafa always pushes his physique to the limit and needs his body to be one hundred percent.
The hip is quite a sensitive area, it’s normal for him to be very frustrated,” added Alex.
Rafa had with multiple injuries in 2022
Rafael Nadal lifted his 22nd Grand Slam title at last year’s French Open, which was also his record-extending 14th win at the Paris Major.
“It is true that Rafael has a very punished body, but it is also true that he has been on the professional circuit since he was 16 years old and that is something you pay for,” Toni said. “There are many years of hitting the ball and moving at high intensity.
When you have that, it is easy for the body to fail here today and there tomorrow. I trust that he can lift the Roland Garros trophy this year, and then we’ll see.”
