‘This is the key year for Rafael Nadal’, says expert

Rafael Nadal’s 2023 started in the worst way. Not only did the Spaniard bow out in the second round of the Australian Open, but he also suffered a second-degree injury to his iliopsoas during his match against McDonald. The former world number 1 will have to stay away from the fields for about two months, another blow after the countless difficulties of recent times. The 36-year-old from Manacor will drop out of the Top 5 at the end of the AOs and will have to work hard to get back in shape. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will certainly miss the ATP 500 in Dubai, while his presence in Indian Wells and Miami remains uncertain. According to the latest rumors, Rafa will hardly put his body at risk to compete in the American Masters 1000. It is more probable that the Iberian will take all the necessary time and return directly to the red clay of Monte Carlo. The Majorcan wants to get as close as possible to his great goal of the season, Roland Garros. Interviewed by ‘El Larguero’, Alex Corretja analyzed Nadal’s prospects in detail.

Alex Corretja on Nadal’s future

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.” Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former long-term coach Toni Nadal can only hope to see his nephew make yet another famous comeback. “My hope is now focused on seeing him, once again, raising his head and fighting to be at Roland Garros defending his options,” Toni Nadal wrote in a column for El Pais. “Let’s hope that his body responds because the commitment and the capacity for suffering, I think he will not lack.”