Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, yet again, proved his mettle on the clay court. The 36-year-old became the oldest tennis player to win a French Open title. Although this was a record 14th title for the Spaniard, it was much more crucial than any of his previous titles, as he was playing in pain. The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffers from a foot issue known as the Müller-Weiss syndrome.

Notably, the issue with his left foot had Nadal sidelined for most of the 2021 season. Also, the Spaniard accepted in the press conference later that he was using nerve-numbing injections to neutralize the pain before stepping on the court.

However, Nadal mentioned that he’s preparing for a nerve intervention treatment to get rid of the problem once and for all. Here’s what experts have to say about the procedure.

Nadal’s foot treatment explained

As per Ian MacVeigh, head of the Pain Unit at the CEMTRO Clinic, the process is not a new one, but it is the first time it will be used for such an issue. Explaining the mechanics of the process, he said,

“It is done with a needle that has an active tip with an electrode. That is inserted into the damaged area and emits radio wave pulses of 20 milliseconds with pauses of another 480. It does not destroy tissues, but rather produces neuromodulation in the nerve. With the electric and magnetic field, the pain fibers are altered, and with it its transmission.”

If the process works for Nadal, he will be able to play. However, the only other alternative to fix the problem permanently will be surgery. Unfortunately, in that case, it will end the career of the legendary player.

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“It would be convenient to carry out an arthrodesis, a fixation of the joint so that don’t move and stop hurting. But that can mean the end of your professional life,”

reveals Joaquín Óscar Izquierdo, director of the International Chair of Podiatric Surgery at UCAM.

Read more: ‘Really Difficult’ – Rafael Nadal on His French Open Record Getting Broken

While the future of Nadal’s career is hanging on a thin thread now, we as fans can only hope for him to play as long as possible. Certainly without pain, though.

Rafael Nadal in French Open

After winning the French Open again on Sunday, the Spaniard has now won the clay-court Grand Slam for a record fourteenth time. On the way to the title, he became the oldest Roland Garros champion ever.

Notably, the 36-year-old has an impeccable 112-3 win-loss record in the tournament. With the uncertainty regarding his injured foot, it might be the last time we saw him play in Paris.

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However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has already left a legacy that will be unmatched for a long time.