Rafael Nadal’s doctor opens up on ‘difficult situation’ as Spaniard prepares for farewell
Rafael Nadal’s long-time doctor has issued a new update on his recovery from injury. The 37-year-old hasn’t played a match since January, when he picked up a psoas injury. He then underwent surgery in June. Dr Angel Ruiz-Cotorro explained that the type of issue Nadal had put him in a “difficult situation” but he has backed the Spaniard to return to competition.
Nadal injured his left psoas during his second-round exit at the Australian Open and targeted a comeback during the clay season. But his attempts to return were unsuccessful and instead, the former world No 1 called a press conference in May to announce that he was shutting down his season and 2024 would likely be his final year on tour.
A few weeks later, Nadal had arthroscopic surgery on the eve of his birthday. And the 22-time Major champion has since shared some encouraging footage of himself on the practice court as he prepares for what could be a farewell tour next season. With Nadal upping the intensity in training, his doctor has shared a new update four months after the operation.
“Nadal has a very high mental health base. He is a very strong person, he has shown it in all his years of competition. Really, it is one of his strengths,” Ruiz-Cotorro told Spain’s IB3 TV. Nadal’s doctor also admitted that he likely aggravated the injury by trying to play through the pain before conceding and going under the knife.
