"The rib has been very disabling, and I haven't been able to do practically anything" - Rafael Nadal ahead of Madrid Open
Rafael Nadal has provided an update on the rib injury that has sidelined him since Indian Wells. The Spaniard revealed that the injury has hampered his preparations significantly.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner sustained a rib stress fracture in his three-set semi-final win against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells Open. This seemingly hindered him in the final, where Taylor Fritz snapped the Spaniard's perfect 20-0 start to the year.
After missing the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, Nadal is all set to return to action at the Madrid Masters this week.
𝑽𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒔 Rafa! 🇪🇸
Rafael Nadal will make his return from injury at next week's Madrid Open 💪
@RafaelNadal | #MMOPEN
Ahead of his first competitive match in six weeks, the 35-year-old said that he has trained "very little" in the build-up to Madrid. He expects a tough campaign in the Spanish capital leading up to Roland Garros.
"I arrived very tight, I've trained very little. The rib has been very disabling, and I haven't been able to do practically anything," Nadal said. "I have Roland-Garros in mind, and I'm aware that this tournament in Madrid is difficult."
Nadal has had a sizzling start to the year, winning titles at Melbourne, the Australian Open and Acapulco. However, he's yet to play on clay this year.
"The important thing is to arrive in Paris well and healthy" - Rafael Nadal on Roland Garros build-up
Rafael Nadal endured his first defeat in a Roland Garros semifinal last year when he went down in four sets to arch-rival and eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
Having missed the first few weeks of the European claycourt season, Nadal will hope for deep runs in Madrid and Rome before launching his quest for a record-extending 14th title in Paris. The Spaniard stressed it was important to head into the French Open "well and healthy."
"The important thing is to arrive in Paris well and healthy. I think that three weeks of preparation are enough to arrive well and healthy," he said.
The Spaniard, a lifelong Real Madrid fan, was also excited at the opportunity to kick off Los Blancos' La Liga game against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Madrid won 4-0 to seal their second La Liga title in three years and 35th overall.
Rafael Nadal (kick off) and Carlos Alcaraz were at Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid celebrating 35th La Liga 🏆 🎾 https://t.co/o65bZo1GG4
Rafael Nadal expressed his joy at watching Madrid win the title.
"I'm happy to be here. Today is football day and I'm happy because I haven't been able to come for a long time and I was excited. And one more day like today, that Madrid can take the title," he said.
The 35-year-old will launch his campaign for a sixth Madrid title on Tuesday.