Rafael Nadal has been preventing accidents for a few years. The Spaniard has gained a Main in 5 of the earlier six seasons, however typically needed to take breaks and skip many important tournaments. Boris Becker, a six-time Main winner, would not see Rafa enjoying till he is 40, and believes his retirement might be simply across the nook.
Nadal was unable to catch a breather in 2021, experiencing setbacks and skipping the second a part of the season with foot issues. Out of form and with leg matches, Rafa began from scratch at the start of 2022 and stunned everybody, together with himself.
The Spaniard went 20-0 within the first 4 tournaments of the season and lifted his first Australian Open crown since 2009. Nadal rose above all challenges and defeated Daniil Medvedev in an epic ultimate to change into the primary participant with 21 Main titles.
Rafa ended his streak within the Indian Wells ultimate in opposition to Taylor Fritz, fracturing his left rib and staying away from the slopes till Might. The king of clay didn’t present his finest sport in Madrid and Rome, and his left foot bothered him once more dealing with Roland Garros.
Searching for his 14th Parisian title, Nadal required injections earlier than video games to boring the ache and transfer with out issues. Rafa overcame robust challenges and secured his twenty second Main title after a dominating victory over Casper Ruud within the ultimate.
Nadal continued his Greats streak at Wimbledon and reached the semifinal. Rafa overcame Taylor Fritz in an exhilarating quarter-final and revealed a seven-millimeter belly tear that pressured him to withdraw and miss the conflict in opposition to Nick Kyrgios.
Wimbledon was the final first rate event for Nadal, who battled accidents for months and gained solely 4 extra matches on the finish of the season. Hoping to have one other good begin to the season like 12 months in the past, Rafa participated within the inaugural version of the United Cup and misplaced to Cameron Norrie and Alex De Minaur.
Desperate to defend the title in Melbourne, Nadal outpointed Jack Draper within the first spherical, determined for momentum and extra wins.
Uncle Toni opens up on Nadal
After expressing his anger and sending a message to the authorities following the brand new harm of his Rafael Nadal, eradicated within the second spherical of the Australian Open, Toni Nadal spoke about the remainder of the season for his nephew.
“My hope now’s centered on seeing him, as soon as once more, elevate his head and struggle to be at Roland Garros to defend his possibilities. Let’s hope his physique responds, as a result of the dedication and the capability to endure, I believe he will not miss it,” wrote the Spanish coach in his column for El País. As a reminder, Rafa will already be absent for a interval of six to eight weeks.