Rafael Nadal Esp TENNIS : Rolex Monte Carlo Masters - 14/04/2021 AntoineCouvercelle/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL
Rafael Nadal has been out of action since the final of the Indian Wells Masters due to a rib injury – is he playing at Monte Carlo 2022
Rafael Nadal suffered a stress fracture in his rib which potentially ruled him out for upto six weeks. Rafael Nadal complained of a chest issue during his run to the final of the Indian Wells Masters in California last month. Upon his arrival in Spain, Nadal visited his team in Barcelona for tests which revealed a ‘stress fracture of the third left costal arch.’
According to Nadal’s doctor he is out for 4 to 6 weeks which ruled Nadal out of the Monte Carlo Masters and his participation in the ATP 1000 events in Madrid and Rome in May is also doubtful.
Nadal had earlier made an emotional announcement on social media regarding his injury. “I wanted to announce that I have returned to Spain and I immediately went to visit my medical team to do the tests after the Indian Wells final that I played with discomfort. As it turns out I have a stress crack in one of my ribs and will be out for 4-6 weeks. This is not good news and I did not expect this. I am sunk and sad because after the start of the season, I have had such a good time”, wrote the 21-time Grand Slam Champion.
Rafael Nadal had earlier announced that he has withdrawn from the Miami Open to manage his workload and keep himself fit for the clay court season.
Nadal has had a busy 2022 so far. He has played 4 tournaments since the start of the season. Nadal was in top form and has won three previous tournaments he played in – the Melbourne Summer Set, the Australian Open and the Mexican Open. He then made it to the final of the Indian Wells Masters but eventually lost it playing with an injury.
Nadal’s plans of preparing for the clay-court season are now definitely hampered due to the rib injury. He will miss the Monte Carlo Masters, a tournament played on clay surfaces and is considered to be an ideal warm-up event leading to the Roland Garros in Paris. However, Nadal should be fit in time for the Grand Slam in Paris in pursuit of a record 22nd Grand Slam.
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