Nadal updates injuries following a scare in Brisbane: It’s where we were last year.
The Spaniard experienced a worrying loss.
Rafael Nadal revealed that the ache he experienced after his Brisbane Open loss was identical to the injury that started his injury nightmare in 2023, which led to a concerning update on his fitness.
Jordan Thompson defeated Rafael Nadal in three sets in just his third match since returning to action following an 11-month break. Earlier in the tournament, Nadal had defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler.
Halfway through the game, he called the trainer onto the court, raising concerns among spectators and commentators about the likelihood of his psoas injury returning.
Although Nadal, 37, is certain that the injury scare is only muscle exhaustion, he said he was cautious because the ache was still present.
“The pain is in the same place, but I feel it’s something more muscular because of the fatigue,” Nadal stated.
“I felt it a lot more last season, so it was the tendon, and the feeling was totally different. I didn’t feel anything today; it’s just that staying in the same area makes you feel more afraid.
“Hopefully, it’s just that after playing for a few days and a hard match like this Friday against [Jordan] Thompson, I have a loaded muscle. I previously stated that I wanted to be competitive in a few months.”
Rafael Nadal’s horrifying injury
After suffering a shocking loss to Mackenzie McDonald in the Australian Open’s second round almost a year ago, Nadal was diagnosed with a grade 2 ailment that might sideline him for up to eight weeks.
However, the truth was far more dire. He planned to play one final year on the ATP Tour, but he needed a hip operation, which kept him out of the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who is back on the court, has downplayed expectations that he will win more championships. Fans are currently simply hoping that he won’t sustain any injuries in time for this month’s Australian Open.