His worried expression after the 3: 6, 6: 7 (5) final defeat in Indian Wells against Taylor Fritz had already raised concerns that Rafael Nadal could have more. Since yesterday there has been certainty: the stabbing pain in the left chest area that the tennis star feels while breathing comes from a fatigue fracture in the third rib arch. “The expected duration of the break is four to six weeks,” his medical officer was quoted as saying in “Marca”. “I’m depressed and sad,” said Nadal, who didn’t expect such a serious injury.
Paris should go out
Ironically, the 35-year-old has to sit out the clay court season that is just beginning, which he has dominated for almost two decades. According to the medical estimate, the tournaments in Monte Carlo (April 10th to 17th) and Barcelona (April 18th to 24th) will fall flat for him. Madrid (May 1st to 8th) could work out, but due to the altitude, the Mutua Open taking place there only serves to a limited extent to prepare for the French Open that follows from May 22nd to June 5th. A 14th Paris title is the Mallorcan’s declared goal. The only useful preparatory tournament is that in Rome (May 8th to 15th).
The problems had already occurred in the semifinals of Indian Wells against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, who was 17 years his junior. Nadal didn’t let that stop him at first, bringing his 20th win in the 20th match of the year to dry land. In the final against Fritz, however, he was no longer able to retrieve one hundred percent.
For Nadal, the time of suffering begins again. Last year he had to pause for several months because of a bone disease in his foot. It was unclear whether the clay court king would ever make a comeback again. He succeeded in January by winning the Australian Open – his 21st Grand Slam title – but furiously. “I’ve always had this fighting spirit. I’ll be patient and work hard after my recovery,” Nadal promised his fans.
Source: Nachrichten
