‘A Player Living With an Injury’ – Rafael Nadal Describes His Physical State Ahead of His Historic 14th Title Hunt at French Open 2022

Rafael Nadal gave a splendid start to the year 2022 by conquering the hard courts of the Australian Open. Also, breaking the three-way tie of Grand Slam victories between him, Federer, and Djokovic. Following that, he reigned at the Mexican Open and made a run till the finals of the Indian Wells.

However, the semifinals against Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells gave him an unpleasant gift. He incurred a rib injury, which weakened him enough to lose the finals. Since then, his year that was folding out well got caught in the embrace of injuries as unexpected losses. Recently, after facing a defeat against Denis Shapovalov in the last 16 of the Italian Open, Rafa disclosed that his pestering foot issue resurfaced during the match.

Chronic Foot Injury of Rafael Nadal

The three set long match witnessed rise and fall of Rafa. The Spaniard dominated the first set and took an easy win of 6-1. However, the second set onwards, his foot started restricting his movement. He lost the second set 5-7 and the following one 2-6. While addressing the press post his defeat, a disappointed Nadal said, “I had my foot again with a lot of pain.”

 “I am a player living with an injury; it is nothing new. It’s something that is there. Unfortunately, my day-by-day is difficult, honestly. It’s difficult for me to accept the situation sometimes. Today at half the second set, it starts and then it wasn’t playable for me.” He added.

The 21 times Grand Slam champion suffers from a rare and degenerative disease known as Mueller-Weiss syndrome. The syndrome causes deformities in navicular bone, which is located in the central part of the foot and is referred as ‘keystone of the arch.’ Further, Nadal has been suffering from the same since 2005. Even so, he has battled a successful career out of it.

Read More: ‘There’s Nothing We Can Do’ – French Open Director Remains Concerned About Fitness of Rafael Nadal Going Into the Tournament

Will Rafa Play in the French Open?

Last year, after Djokovic outclassed him in the four set long semifinal match of French Open, Rafa walked out of the circuit to undergo foot surgery. However, this year, the pestering foot injury surfaced a bit early. As former World No.1 failed to defend his title at the Italian Open, rumors of him not playing in the clay-based Grand Slam upsurged. Though recently, he put the rumors to bed by showing up at the practice session of the French Open.

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Nadal will lock horns with Australian tennis professional Jordan Thompson in the first round of The French Open on Sunday.