In an interview with El Pais, Rafael Nadal’s long-time doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro said that they are adopting a very cautious approach to the latest setback in the hopes of being fit and ready for the clay-court season.
When you are about to compete and in your first training session (and) this happens, obviously it influences you and it’s hard. It’s in a muscle and not in a tendon, which would have been much worse.
The negative thing is that pain is back in an already affected zone and this is not something unusual. Rafa was practicing in a normal way and everything was going well. We need to be optimistic, because we have always been so, but also realistic and now, seeing what happened, we have to be as cautious as possible.
Rafa will be back when he will be doing well.
Cotorro said everyone was hopeful that Rafa would be back in time to compete on his favourite surface.
We hope that he will be recovered for the clay-court season, that’s the goal.
Rafa should rest for two or three weeks, then have a progressive recovery, but it always depends on how everything works. You have to monitor this injury closely, so we will go week-by-week, without rushing.
Source: sport24
Well done Delpo! You are well deserved. Saving three championship points to win the title!
My heart is full of joy now!
Wow! A match to wake me up in this tournament (apart from Coric v Fed semi). Such an exciting final with plenty of spice. So pleased for DelPo, who finally captured his first masters 1000 title. Such a nice guy and well deserved! Can’t wait to see Rafa back in the mix!
Aww my flight just landed and this is the first thing I checked for. I’m so happy! Well done Delpo!
Great match and an even better result. Thank goodness for Delpo and a big congratulations. No-one deserves it more. Having said that, I’m still hoping that Rafa gets it next year – get well and get playing when you can Rafa.
Thank you del potro for saving the atp tour. Federer now knows that although nadal and djokovic are not there there is still del potro. Del potro took the responsibility today and did his duty in beating federer. He did it fantastic.
I now know that i have a second person to root for after nadal and that is del potro
I hope Del Potro is playing in Miami and if so, that he beats Fed or that someone beats Fed. I am sick of all this fawning over Fed. I acknowledge his greatness but he is often helped along by his over enthusiastic fans and the tennis officials themselves ( eg. Australian Open 2018, all night games and a closed roof ,a Fed preference, for the final.)
Congratulations, Del Potro. !!!
Beverley, I forgot to ask how your shoulder is doing and if you’re feeling a lot better than you were in January. Hope you’ve mended.
I checked after he won IW and yes, he’s on the Miami player list.
RAFA ROCKS
Del Potro: another player who, in case he would not have been injured so often, would have put Roger in his place much more often than he has so far. Cause even now, he still is clearly the better player than Roger. It was like this in 2009 and it still is today (and at the US Open).
Congratulations to Del Potro for taking the title at Indian Wells , a well deserved win ,and a big thanks for livening up the tennis which has been so BORING in the last couple of months without Rafa.
Rafa get fit and hurry back before I lose interest in the great game.
DelPotro WINS INDIAN WELLS
I am very happy for him. And I know he is over the moon. His first Masters.
I didn’t know about the things in the last paragraph of your reply to Mac (no reply button there, sorry).
What a great match tonight! I’d given up hope for Delpo when Fed was serving at 5-4 in the third but Delpo showed Rafa-like spirit and determination. Very happy for him, well played and most deserved. He should have won the Shanghai semi last year against Fed – Fed was rattled (though not as much as tonight) but then Delpo got distracted by the crowd’s behaviour, let Fed back into the match and lost. Not tonight.
He wrote ‘Cesar’ surrounded by a heart shape on the camera lens after the match, rather than signing his name. Now I understand what that meant, thank you for explaining 🙂
Yes jas_uk, I saw him sign “Cesar.” DelPo strikes me as a gentle soul. Don’t know him personally but have read so many positive things about him.
After he won, I went to my Twitter account and it lit up like a Christmas tree. The ATP and different tournaments congratulated DelPo, his fan club retweeted congrats, tennis podcasters, and many tennis reporters, who I recognized from their Rafa articles, tweeted their warm good wishes. It was like a love fest.
I didn’t see anything from Sky Sports for DelPo but I could have missed it. HOWEVER, Sky Sports [according to a retweet] did congratulate Fed with “17-0 FOR KING ROGER who made his best ever start to a season…” I think that is just so disrespectful on the day he lost against DelPo. Sky Sports has been outed as “not neutral” as far as I am concerned. Idiots.
Margo, thanks for the enquiry re. my shoulder. It is as good as it will ever get which means better than it was a few months ago but will never be the same as before the fall.
But enough of my woes. I am so thrilled that Del Potro won. He really deserves it. He has had to come back from injuries so many times.
He is the guy I will always barrack for when Rafa is not playing. Here’s hoping for his continued success in Miami. !
Well that’s good news at least. I do remember you saying that it will never be the same pre-injury but I’m glad you’ve improved.
I haven’t been following DelPo as much as I used to because I’ve been literally consumed with Rafa and his injuries, hoping to get happy news about his condition. I don’t know if you’ve seen any of my posts about Rafa, after the AO, but I was panic stricken when I discovered his shenanigans [activities] when he was supposed to be “resting.” What is a fan to do…LOL
On JMDP, yes his road has been filled with injury and yet he managed a Slam and now a Masters, along with many other titles. His joy in winning his first Masters is so heartwarming. He’s like a little boy who has been left in a toy store to choose whatever he wants. He is just so happy and appreciative of his wins.
He has moved up 2 places in the ATP rankings to number 6, his highest was number 4 before his injuries. I knew he had a good chance of winning because Fed was making so many unforced errors and DelPo was saving points. I was sorry he couldn’t close it out in the second-set TB. He said he was very nervous but so was Fed.
So far he is scheduled to play Miami and wants to play the clay-court season. I just hope he doesn’t over do it. He said he has won everything he ever wanted but I hope he stays ambitious. If he can maintain his form, he will undoubtedly add some flavor to coming tournaments.
I am waiting to learn how Andy is doing. I hope he can come back and be competitive.
RAFA ROCKS
It appears that the WTA youngsters are having better luck than those in the ATP. Two 20-year-olds played the IW’s final. Osaka, playing for Japan, won the title.
Margo, I had to reply here as there was no reply button where I wanted it. Yes, I also was absolutely horrified when I read of all his activities after the Australain Open when he should have been resting. Two golf tournaments to start with and then flying all over the country to attend sponsorship events.
The trouble is he is such a popular guy that everyone wants a piece of him and he just hates to refuse. ( more likely, does not want to refuse because he always wants to be on the go.)
Now he is adding Davis Cup to the mix.
Fed must be laughing. Even although he lost to Del Potro he knows that as far as Rafa is concerned all he has to do is wait for Rafa to return and re-injure himself again through too much play and the number 1 ranking is his for some time.
Rafa has so many points to protect in the clay season whereas Fed has none.. If he wants to pick up extra points all he needs to do is play a couple of clay events. He does not need to win. Every game he plays will earn him points.
Fed has managed his schedule very wisely . Rafa could do the same but he has got himself into a situation where he can’t drop any clay court event without losing a massive amount of points.
He could, however, take it easy after Wimbledon and drop the Asian events. Bit will he? Sadly I doubt it.
I agree with you that being a Rafa fan is sometimes nerve wracking but like you, I will support him right through his career no matter what.
Yes, Rafa will play Davis Cup if he is deemed ready for competition, according to an interview Toni had with Tennis365 on March 17.
RE his sponsors, et al., I look at this as a business. Rafa is running a business and he is the product, as I see it.
Take Carlos Costa, for instance. He is Rafa’s agent. Costa also works for IMG which contributed $3-$4 million dollars toward building the Nadal academy; Rafa contribute $1 million. I was under the impression it was Rafa’s project, and that he owned it outright.
Costa is also the Barcelona Open tournament director and is responsible for drawing the best tennis players in the world to this tournament.
Between Mallorca and Valencia, Mallorca was heavily favored to host this coming Davis Cup, Spain vs Germany. Mallorca fell out of competition when the mayor of the Balearic Islands could not secure Rafa’s confirmation to play, among other divisive disagreements and obstacles.
The above is just an iota of how Rafa’s personal life is inextricably linked to his professional one.
As for Asia, I can’t even think that far ahead just yet. I am waiting to see how he is doing, how he does once he returns, and then see what he decides to do.
At this point I just hope he returns healthy and hopefully pain free for whatever tournament he decides to play first. Davis Cup is only a few days so he may use it as a test to fitness.
Correction: Carlos Costa works for IMG.
Movistar [not IMG] paid $3-$4 million toward the Nadal academy.
DelPo just beat Fed at the 2017 USO and has beaten him 5 times before that. DelPo is also looking to win his first Masters, which he’s never won. Let’s see if he can pull it off.
I hope so! I’m about to take a 13 hrs flight, and it’ll be great to land and find out that Delpo beat Federer. It’s a slim chance but one can hope!
Hey Mac, I’m dying to know where you’re going? To give DelPo a hug from me? LOL
I usually root for JMD if Rafa is not playing. He had a fever and was not well when he beat Fed at the USO and post-match he said it was his fans that carried him to the win.
I hope he ignores any bad behavior by Fed fans. I’ve come across so many complaints about the IW’s organizers not advising fans if they are disrespectful [cheering for Fed when opponents made errors] they will be thrown out of the tournament.
DelPo is picking up steam after the loss of his grandfather, last spring, with whom he was very close. And last month his beloved pet dog Cesar passed away. He is reportedly seeing a therapist and maybe this is playing a role in his recent upswing. AND he just won Acapulco vs K. Anderson, 6-4, 6-4.
Wherever you land, have fun.
RAFA ROCKS
Well Mac, I guess you’re on the plane. Hopefully by now you’ve learned that DelPo won. I hope it makes your day.
RAFA ROCKS
Thanks Margo. Del Potro’s win has indeed made my day!
I’ve just seen the highlights, and Delpo seemed to have that self belief. Soo happy for him!
I flew from China to Paris. 5 hour layover now, then another flight to Africa. Unfortunately still very far away from North America 🙂
Great job by the female youngsters too on the WTA! Congratulations Naomi! Hope to be seeing more of her on the big stages.
Isn’t it pure joy to see Del Po blow a forehand past Federer who absolutely thought he was in a good position to rally? Nope, this ball lands where you think it would, but it goes faster than any FB you ever hit Rog’!
Mac, you’re welcome. You can be assured it made his day too.
He has probably always had that self belief. I remember his win over Rafa at the 2009 USO, I wanted to do some damage to him😂
You are so far away that DelPo will have to wait for his hug.
I think this is Naomi’s first title ever. If you get a chance, try to watch her acceptance speech. Too cute.
RAFA ROCK’S
Sorry folks, a misunderstanding on my part about a report i read. Contrary to my previous post, i’ve realised that the Open-Conde de Godo tennis tournament is in fact the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (full name Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Trofeo Conde de Godo). Rafa will be so proud that it will be a special tournament hosted in his uncle’s honour. I don’t think he’ll risk injury by playing Monte Carlo before this special evevnt but who knows?
I am too rooting for DelPo,but don’t believe it will happen. Delpo has huge respect to Fed,so will deflate in the end. The only 2 players can beat Fed..Rafa and Djocko…so he will take full advantage of their injury time…unfortunately
Still early but DelPo has won the first set 6-4, 6-4.
Set 2 TIEBREAK
YIKES!!!
Fed won the tiebreak 7[10]-6[8].
So yes, a third set is on.
What did I tell ya Bis..
I picked a winner when I discovered Rafa.
DelPo loses a lot because of so many wrist surgeries but I’ve always liked him. I consider him a winner in so many ways. Today he has shown true grit and may he win a lot more [but not against Rafa]🤗
This year’s Barcelona Open will be a very special one.
I cannot imagine how proud, thrilled, excited, and happy Rafa will feel when Toni receives formal recognition, on the Pista Rafa Nadal, for his role as Rafa’s coach, for the long-term relationship he and Rafa have had with the Barcelona Open, and for his continued support of Spanish tennis through Rafa’s academy.
Toni will share those feelings also, and on a tennis court named after his nephew. He will be the first coach ever to receive this honor, and during competition no less.
I hope Kei will be able to attend the tournament; he is a big hit in Barcelona with many fans. Thiem is nursing a fractured ankle and may not be ready in time. I sure hope he doesn’t rush back to competition.
This year’s Barcelona Open will include every Spaniard within the top 100, according to reports.
RAFA ROCKS
del potro played fabolous against raonic. great win in two sets he is more rested for tomorrow then federer. If del potro plays like this against federer in the final tomorrow he will win. The serve and the forehand will be the key.
The ATP tour right now is in crisis. Due to the absence of nadal and lack of form from nole federer has no competition and is to dominant.
Del Potro has a duty and responsibility to beat federer tomorrow in order to save the atp
Great news….DelPo is in the final. GO JUAN MARTIN!
RAFA ROCKS
The Open-Conde de Godo tennis tournament is set to take place in Barcelona between 21st and 29th April and Rafa is planning to play there. According to the president of the Royal Barcelona Tennis Club, Albert Agusti, the 2018 tournament will pay homage to Rafa’s uncle and former coach Toni. Five of the top ten ranked players will be involved. Along with Rafa, there will be Dimitrov, Thiem, Anderson and Goffin. So it looks like, if Rafa is fit enough, he will play in Barcelona after all, but not the Barcelona 500 event, which is scheduled to happen in the same week. It remains to be seen what format of this tribute tournament will be and how it will affect Rafa’s schedule.
damm those pro federer fans are having the time of their lives. Coric was so close beating federer but he as others choked.
I hope del potro will beat easily raonic. del potro has a duty to beat federer.
Recently, Federer jokes about Rafa could be “that luck” if they meet each other again in a best of five match on clay this season.
Well, i can’t wait to see Rafa beats Federer again. Federer’s backhand might have improved so much since Ivan Ljubicic came but playing on clay is a different story so don’t be arrogant Federer!
I just hope that Rafa could at least secure his crown at Paris this year. The slam race for G.O.A.T might be locked by his impatience last year but we still have goals this year.
Come back and be strong Rafa!
Don’t let Federer touch the Double Career Slam.
Love Rafa a lot. Always my favorite tennis player, the greatest in my opinion. But…his decisions about his schedule lately are disaster. And I think he will not change unfortunately. So stubborn. Never learn from Fed. Maybe Federer is not my favorite tennis player, but without any doubt is the smartest one.That why he will achieve the most….unfortunately again.
I am hoping that his will to be healthy and the possibility of being pain free is stronger than his need to play. He was swimming today which is an excellent combination of therapy and exercise for those with physical injuries.
RAFA ROCKS
So happy I got my Rafa fix today. Just saw a video of him swimming in a pool. I had to chuckle though. The water reached only his waist and he swam while his fingers were spread. He did have his enormous and beautiful smile ready for the camera.
RAFA ROCKS THE POOL
IW good news so far. DelPo socked it to Kohlschreiber: 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
YOU GO DelPo
RAFA ROCKS
I think Toni’s interview with L’Equipe February 7, 2017, is still relevant today so I thought I would post it here. I could find only EFE’s Spanish version.
“It has been years that Rafa continues to be stressed with physical problems. You cannot give your all on the court, you cannot have the best attitude on court and you loose so much confidence. Injuries in his wrist, knees and foot ended up becoming more prominent than his strength. But when he has been able to play without pain, he recovers his good level.
In Australia he got his game back, he played a good tournament, he had a good attitude, and he played good matches. He was near his best both on a mental and a tennis level.
On his loss to the Swiss, Roger Federer, I assure you that he was close to winning it. On other occasions, he was close to losing but ended up winning.
The Swiss played a great tournament: he loss less than usual and continued to hit the ball flatter. The conditions were also better for Federer, not so much regarding the court, which I felt was not as fast as some thought, but playing at night.
Playing at night benefits Federer because the ball does not bounce as high and you can anticipate it much easier.
———————————
Come back Rafa, healthy AND pain-free so you can beat them all.