Rafael Nadal set to begin training next week after ‘horrendous’ injury scare in Brisbane as he eyes playing exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas in March
After forcing a muscle tear in the Brisbane International, Rafael Nadal is reported to start his practice in the coming weeks.
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Rafael Nadal (image via: Imago)
Rafael Nadal’s comeback was cut short by another injury. After missing the entire 2023 season with surgery, Rafa chose Brisbane International as the seat of his comeback.
However, in the quarterfinals of the tournament against Jordan Thompson, the Spaniard was hit with a muscle tear. Though Rafa struggled, he completed the match and lost in the second and third sets to be eliminated.
However, as per reports from Diario de Mallorca, the 37-year-old, who withdrew from the Australian Open for not being prepared to play five-set matches, can resume his practice in the coming weeks. The Spaniard visited Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro‘s office in Barcelona on Tuesday night.
The player himself and his team are positive about the injury. The MRI scans have confirmed that it is only a muscle problem.
The plan for Rafa in the coming weeks is still unknown. The only date that is confirmed is March 3. It is when he will be playing an exhibition match with World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas.
The match is colloquially called the ‘Netflix Slam’ as the match will be streamed on the platform.
Rafael Nadal’s plans halted as new injury scar hits
The 2024 season is said to be the last professional tennis season for Rafael Nadal. He had earlier said that he would like to play all the major Grand Slams of the season.
However, with the new injury scar, he will not be a part of the mega event at Melbourne Park.
Rafa will be keen to get back to the court before the clay season which is scheduled for April starting from the Monte Carlo tournament.
His long-time coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, has also expressed his hopes for Rafa at the French Open. The 37-year-old seemed to be in good shape before he was hit with the muscle tear.
He performed well in the two matches after his comeback against Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler.
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Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)