It was the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid final in 2005. Home favorite Rafael Nadal was due to face Ivan Ljubicic in the summit clash. Despite a broken foot, Nadal famously won the final. However, what followed was going to prove an injury nightmare for the Spaniard.

After the match, Nadal underwent treatment on his broken foot. Subsequently, the medical team spotted that it was more than just a break. The Spaniard was diagnosed with the Müller-Weiss syndrome, a chronic injury. Subsequently, he missed the Australian Open in 2006. Recently, his former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal opened up about this injury.

Toni Nadal reveals the injury nightmare suffered by Rafael Nadal

Nadal’s uncle disclosed the details about this syndrome and how the 21-time Grand Slam champion coped with it. He said, ” The specialist who saw him told us that it was very difficult for him to be able to play sports at the highest level, but (Rafael) has been cheating in the best possible way, because in bad weather he has a good face.”

Further, Toni Nadal recalled that the Muller-Weiss syndrome was first detected in 2004 at a tournament in Estoril, Portugal. He added, “It seemed that he was going to have a short career, but everything has gone much better than we expected. It will have a solution when he finishes his career, but not while he plays. Depending on the operation that is done, he will not be able to play at a high level anymore, that is why it cannot be done now.”

(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

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What is the Muller-Weiss syndrome?

This syndrome is a degenerative deformity of a small bone in the midfoot. It is an extremely rare disease caused by trauma, osteochondritis, congenital dysplasia, and mechanical overload. Due to its symptoms, it is a difficult disease to diagnose so much so that it is now part of the ‘World Day of Rare Diseases’.

Doctors said that Nadal could keep playing with this syndrome, but would always feel the pain. And indeed, the Spaniard has kept going!

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