Rafael Nadal on crutches after treatment in Barcelona
Rafael Nadal has apparently undergone an operation on his foot, and a few weeks break will follow. He had previously declared the 2021 season over.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Sep 11, 2021, 11:57 am
The Spaniard, who has been suffering from renewed problems on his left foot since the French Open, has now probably had to go under the knife.
"I was in Barcelona with my team and the medical team to undergo treatment on my feet," wrote Nadal on Instagram on Saturday morning. "A few days of rest and a few weeks of rest" will bring him this, Nadal continues.
He is currently back home and I am on the way to recovery. "Thank you everyone for your support," concluded Nadal.
Nadal and the foot: Always problems
Nadal has struggled with foot problems his entire career, which is why he was predicted to retire early. With special insoles, however, he got the problem under control, at the expense of recurring knee problems.
In the current season, Nadal apparently had problems with his foot again at the French Open. After his semi-final against Novak Djokovic , he canceled Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, and during the brief comeback in Washington he continued to reveal pain. He then also canceled an appearance in Toronto and at the US Open.
Nadal had already announced at the end of August that he would end the 2021 season early in order to cure his foot. It is unclear whether an operation was already being considered at the time - it is possible that Nadal initially tried traditional treatment, which has now not worked.
The 20-time major champ had often missed the late phase of the season due to injury in order to prepare for the coming season.