Nadal gives first interview after surgery: ‘I don’t live without pain, but with controlled pain’

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Rafael Nadal (37) has not fought seriously for more than 240 days. His last appearance: 2nd round at the Australian Open, when he lost to MacKenzie McDonald (28, ATP 39) in three sets. The Spaniard then took a break of several months before announcing the early end of the season in mid-May.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered an injury to his hip flexor and psoas muscle in his lumbar region. At the time his season was announced, Nadal did not know he would have to undergo surgery. “I was told that if I don’t have surgery I won’t recover,” the tennis star revealed in an interview with Movistar. The procedure finally took place on June 2 – one day before his 37th birthday.

Away from tennis

The first few weeks afterward were characterized by severe pain. But over time these would have diminished. “I don’t live completely without pain, but with controlled pain,” explains Nadal, who has now fallen to number 237 in the ATP rankings. In addition to his hip, his foot also continues to cause him problems. “There are days when I can hardly go down the stairs.”

What helped him a lot in his rehabilitation was quitting tennis. “I had to break away from everything. I saw very little tennis.” He watched the Wimbledon and US Open finals, albeit not entirely.

He had no nostalgia for the greatest tennis courts in the world. “I didn’t think I should be there now or there. For example, I watched the US Open and I didn’t feel uncomfortable.” In recent years he has had to learn to accept that he can no longer be wherever he wants. Instead, he enjoys being able to spend more time with his family.

The former world number 1 still wants to return to the tour next year. His goal: “I want to play again and be competitive.” He jokes: “Maybe I’ll win three more Grand Slam tournaments.” But he has no serious hope of winning another Grand Slam tournament. “I’m not saying it’s impossible, but I’m not a dreamer.”

But won’t his career end after the 2024 season?

As he announced his season was coming to an end, Nadal also announced that 2024 could be his final year as a professional. Has anything changed in the meantime? Maybe because: “I just said this might be my last year. I can’t say for sure.” But it is the most likely option.

This is mainly due to two problems: age, which is “irresolvable”, and his injuries, which seem unsolvable. “This combination makes some things seem impossible.” Nevertheless, he is ready to fight back again. “I am open to what the future brings.” (ch)

Source : Blick