‘Rafael Nadal had difficult years but…’, says expert

Rafael Nadal suffered an injury at the Australian Open that prevented him from fighting with all his weapons. The Spanish star could not defend the title that he won emphatically last year, and was eliminated in the second round by the American McDonald. Rafa has not been able to express himself at his best level for several months, also due to the usual physical problems. The former world number 1 will leave the Top 5 at the end of the first major of the year and he may also have to say goodbye to the Top 10 after more than 900 consecutive weeks. As if that were not enough, the Iberian suffered a second degree injury in the ileus-psoas during the match against McDonald in Melbourne. The 22-time Slam champion will have to stay out for about two months and could return to play on clay in Monte Carlo. The 36-year-old man from Manacor will definitely miss the ATP 500 in Dubai, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami in early spring remains uncertain. In a long interview with ‘RMC Sport’, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli, reflected on Nadal’s future. “Although she has never revealed it publicly, I think Rafael Nadal has set himself the goal of winning another Roland Garros,” Bartoli began without mincing words. “Last year he managed to triumph in Paris against all odds, so it’s impossible to stop him. His foot was badly injured and it was difficult for him to even walk. Although he is far from his best condition, he knows perfectly the magic formula to win on clay. He does not win 14 Roland Garros without knowing how to be prepared. This could be the last great goal of his career. If he sees that the “machine” is no longer working, then he will start thinking seriously about retirement.”

Corretja reflects on Rafa Nadal

Passing on the airwaves of El Larguero to discuss the defeat of Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Australian Open and his hip injury which will also keep him away from the field for a period of 6 to 8 weeks, Alex Corretja expressed his concern. “The goal is to prepare well to reach the clay court tournaments, and not force in these fast surface tournaments. He had difficult years, but what is incredible is what he achieved last year: Australia was a miracle, he won Roland Garros with a limp… This is the key year, because if he sees that he is not able to sustain the rhythm of seven Grand Slam matches, he will think seriously about his future. He always takes his body to the limit, and he needs his body to be 100%. The hip is a sensitive area, it is a normal frustration.”