BARCELONA: Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has undergone keyhole surgery to address a left hip injury, resulting in his withdrawal from the French Open.
The 36-year-old, who plans to retire after the 2024 season, sustained the injury during the Australian Open in January and has been sidelined from competitive play since then. Despite engaging in practice sessions in recent weeks, Nadal was unable to regain sufficient fitness to participate in tournaments.
The outcome of the surgery, performed in Barcelona, will be announced today [Saturday], coinciding with Nadal’s 37th birthday. Last month, the 14-time Roland Garros champion announced his withdrawal from the French Open, marking the first time in 19 years that he would not compete in the prestigious event. Nadal expressed his priority of focusing on his physical condition as he enters his final season in 2024.
Rafael Nadal’s Remarkable Career
Nadal’s remarkable career includes a record-setting 14 men’s singles titles at Roland Garros and a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, matching the record set by Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. However, due to his absence from several tournaments earlier this year, Nadal’s world ranking has dropped, and he currently holds the 15th position.
Confirming the surgery, Nadal’s spokesperson, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, stated that three doctors participated in the procedure. The tennis community eagerly awaits updates on Nadal’s recovery, hoping to see the revered athlete back on the court soon.