Rafael Nadal’s MRI reveals health update days after Indian Wells withdrawal

The Spaniard is likely in his farewell season but the injuries continue to deny him the chance to play at all the events.

Rafael Nadal’s MRI reveals health update days after Indian Wells withdrawal

Rafael Nadal (Image via: Imago)

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal‘s injury struggles continue to keep tennis fans on their toes. The 22-time singles Grand Slam title winner was expected to play at this month’s 2024 Indian Wells Masters.

But Nadal had to unfortunately withdraw hours before his first-round match at the event. He had entered the main draw through his protected ranking of 6. He was set to take on Canadian veteran Milos Raonic but couldn’t find himself fit enough to play.

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He had earlier played in the ‘Netflix Slam‘ in Las Vegas, an exhibition clash with Carlos Alcaraz. The 20-year-old emerged victorious in a closely fought battle. Apart from their matchup, Rafa’s young son also stole much of the limelight. Only as things looked good, another injury setback ruined Nadal’s plans.

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With reports emerging claiming the King of Clay suffering from back pain, he reportedly went for an MRI. The reports were later made public by Spanish journalist Remi Bourrieres. As per the journalist, no area of concern or visible damage was spotted in the MRI clearing Nadal of any serious injury.

Currently, he is on the entry list for the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters. And if things remain as they are, he is likely to play at one of his most successful Tour events. The maiden clay court Masters-1000 event begins on 8th April.

Rafael Nadal’s unmatched record at Monte Carlo

With many expecting 2024 to be the final season for Nadal despite his indecisiveness over it, the Golden Swing of the Tour will be the best time to say his goodbye. With 63 of his 92 career titles coming on the clay courts, the possibility of the Spaniard retiring in the next three months is quite high.

Rafael Nadal with the 2018 Monte Carlo Trophy
Rafael Nadal with the 2018 Monte Carlo Masters trophy (image via IMAGO)

At the Monte Carlo Masters, Nadal has been undoubtedly the greatest champion ever. He has won the title a record 11 times from the 12 finals he has contested there. The next in line for most titles is a three-way tie between Ille Nastase, Bjorn Borg, and Thomas Muster, who each won three titles.

Nadal made his debut at the event in 2003, reaching the third round. After skipping the 2004 edition, he went on a winning streak of eight titles from 2005 to 2012. He almost won a ninth consecutive title, but Novak Djokovic beat him in the 2013 finals.

Rafa has a 75-6 record at the Masters event. He has, however, skipped the tournament after his quarter-final defeat in 2021 to Andrey Rublev. But if it is indeed the fabled ‘last dance’ for the King of Clay, fans would expect him to grace the red soil of Monte Carlo once again.

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