“My muscle is very fatigued,” Rafael Nadal gives very concerning injury news before Australian Open 2024

After facing a year-long absence due to injuries, Rafael Nadal fought hard against the Australian player Jordan Thompson, only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat. 

“My muscle is very fatigued,” Rafael Nadal gives very concerning injury news before Australian Open 2024

Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish sensation, made an amazing return to tennis after a year of injuries. His return to the competition had been a promising one, with two convincing victories behind him. Soon he faced the challenge of the Australian Jordan Thompson, who made Nadal fight for every point, eventually beating the returning star.

To the despair of the fans, Nadal cast a shadow of doubt over his 2024 Australian Open run as he was revealed to have felt pain near the injured area. After a decent start to the quarter-final match, Nadal showed no signs of struggle until the match went on to the third set.

This was when the medical timeout was taken by the Spaniard, who eventually lost the match 7-5, 6(6)-7, 6-3. During the press conference, Rafa revealed to have felt pain in the area nearby to the injured place. While he downplayed his pain compared to last year, a looming thought soars his head. A conclusive answer depends on tomorrow’s tests and with it, the fate of his Australian Open dreams.

FS Video
The problem is in a similar place to last year, but it is not the same. If it had been the same, I would have felt it immediately. Last year it was the tendon and I feel this more at a muscular level. Now Myself, my muscle is very fatigued. I have to see how I get up tomorrow, but I hope to be training next week in Melbourne. The problem is that it is in a similar area and that makes you worry a little more than normal.
Said Nadal to the Brisbane Press.

Rafael Nadal emphasizes his motive to come back to tennis in a positive manner

After a three and a half-hour match, Nadal’s dream comeback was cut short by the Australian, and to add to his misery, the Spaniard felt some kind of pain in his body. While many believe that it is just muscle fatigue as a result of playing a long match under such hefty weather conditions, Nadal is a little more scared than usual because the area of pain is close to his injury spot.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via belN Sports)

To the Brisbane Press, the Spaniard breaks down how he felt during and after the game but mainly emphasizes his intentions for a comeback. The 22-time Grand Slam title champion reminded all his fans that he wasn’t back to win tournaments but came back to return positively and be competitive for the next couple of months. 

The Australian Open being one of the first 5 set tournaments may seem grueling to the Spaniard’s condition. With all the fans praying for some positive news, Nadal is also looking forward to the test results and his feeling on the leg for the next few days. Displaying good form at the Brisbane International, it is yet to see if the Spaniard can manage to hold the same form at the Australian Open withstanding the conditions of a Grand Slam.

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