After injuring his hip flexor during the Australian open, Rafael Nadal has spent this year largely sidelined. Now, after recently undergoing surgery, the 14-time Roland Garros champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner looks to be on a steady road to recovery. “The decision to operate was made recently,” said Angel Ruiz Cotorro, a doctor present during the surgery.

“We tried all the conservative options, which is how these injuries are normally treated. But when the situation doesn’t work, you have to take decisions.” 

A “successful” surgery 

Nadal had arthroscopic surgery to fix his psoas muscle, according to the tennis superstar’s representative. Nadal traveled to Barcelona for the surgery, which was performed by world-renowned orthopedic hip surgeon, Dr. Marc Philippon.

Dr. Philipon has successfully treated numerous athletes at his Steadman sports medicine clinic in Colorado. Three other doctors, including Dr. Cotorro, were also present for the surgery.

“The fact that a doctor was flown across an ocean tells you something about the severity of this, there was a scope,” commented Jon Wertheim, an analyst at Tennis Channel. “I was told that some tissue was removed. It was a success. Nadal has already started recovering, not how he wanted to be celebrating the middle weekend of Roland Garros, not how he wanted to be celebrating his 37th birthday.” 

Healthy recovery

“I was told the usual recovery time for this is about five months”, continued Wertheim. Although it’s not yet known exactly when Nadal will return to tennis, it appears he’s made recent progress on his recovery – which is largely made up of rest, physiotherapy, and gym work.

Massage guns are also a beneficial tool for promoting recovery and easing pain. They can also help with managing and reducing scar tissue caused by injury or surgery. By stimulating blood flow in the area being worked upon, massage guns work to minimize scar tissue, including visible lumps and bumps. “Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back in the best conditions”, Nadal recently posted on social media.

Optimism for the year ahead

Nadal also said he has ambitions to play in the Davis Cup finals in late November, and, although this may be wishful thinking, a 2024 return does look likely.

Nadal has already announced next year will be his final season career-wise. “I just want to give myself the opportunity to compete again for what will be my last year. I hope that 2024 is not just a year of simple appearances, but a year where I can win the tournaments I play. It will be difficult, but we have to hope for it.” 

“The last few years have been difficult and it has been complicated to find consistency in my job, which is what I need,” Nadal said. “The best thing to do now is to take a break and see if the body recovers in the coming months.”