“I was not able to practice all the days that I really wanted” Rafael Nadal talks about his injury issues after his exit at the Washington Open


“I was not able to practice all the days that I really wanted” Rafael Nadal talks about his injury issues after his exit at the Washington Open

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal returned to tennis after 2 months out with a foot injury that he picked up at the 2021 French Open where he was defeated in the semi-finals by eventual champion Novak Djokovic who went on to lift his 2nd French Open title and 19th Grand Slam title.

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Nadal’s injury saw him miss the entire grass season including the 2021 Wimbledon and also made the tough call of missing the re-scheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan which were held in heavy bio-bubble restrictions. Nadal and his coaching staff saw the need for some rest for the Spaniard so as to keep him fit for the remainder of the season and made the tough call.

The recovery however was not as easy according to Nadal himself. The foot injury troubled him a lot during the rehab and caused him difficulty during his two matches at the 2021 Washington Open as well where he was defeated in the 3rd round after getting a bye in the first round being the top-seeded player of the tournament.

The most positive thing is my foot was better today than yesterday. I was able to move a bit better, so that is very important, especially for me personally, no, to keep enjoying the sport, no, and keep having energy. I honestly didn’t have two easy months. I had a lot of problems with my foot,” said Nadal in his press conference after his exit in Washington.

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Rafael Nadal will not miss any tournaments due to the injury

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

With his injury again causing issues, there were doubts whether he will have to miss another tournament but he cleared it himself that he will be going to Canada for the upcoming 2021 ATP-1000 Toronto Masters.

I was not able to practice all the days that I really wanted, but I did as much as I could. And I tried hard here. I think I played better than yesterday. But, yeah, I mean, all the credit to him that he played aggressively.

Yeah, for me it’s just to keep going. Accept the challenge that I need to keep working, and I have probably another chance next week in Toronto. I’m going to keep trying my best,” concluded Nadal as he confirmed his participation in Toronto clearing any doubts tennis fans had in their minds.

The 2021 Toronto Masters will begin from 9th August and will have the finals on 15th August.

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