(Reuters) – World number two Rafa Nadal is still struggling with the back injury that ruled him out of this week’s ATP Cup but is hoping for some improvement before his first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
Asked about his fitness, 34-year-old told reporters on Sunday: “Not great, obviously, because if not I would have been playing at the ATP Cup,” adding that he had been “suffering” for 15 days.
“I’m doing everything what’s possible to be ready for it. That’s the only thing that I can say. Today, I am still hoping to keep improving and hope to be ready for it.”
Nadal, who has suffered regularly from back injuries throughout his career, said he was not contemplating pulling out of the year’s first Grand Slam.
“I don’t think about not playing,” he added. “The thing is about in which condition I am going to start the tournament, no?
“Is not serious, but the muscle is still tight, so is difficult to play with freedom of movements today. Let’s hope situation keep improving.
“We are doing everything. My physio is here, the doctors here, everybody is helping me in all possible ways.”
Nadal said he sustained the injury during quarantine but was not sure whether the enforced 14 days of isolation in an Adelaide hotel had contributed to his problem.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t want to think about that. That’s what happened. Normally I’m not a big fan of finding excuses or reasons about why this other thing is happening.”
The Spaniard is scheduled to get his campaign underway on Tuesday with a first-round match against Serbian Laslo Djere.
“I hope to be ready, that’s all,” he said. “I know sometimes things change quickly. I going to keep staying positive and keep doing everything I can.”
Source: Reuters
Hope you feel better we love you Raffa
It’s heartbreaking that Rafa is going through this…
In as much as I want to see him play and I do understand this means so much to him, I too Margo, would rather he take no chances and rest and rehab his back ….
We know that Rafa knows his body, keeping in mind there’s a long season ahead…
Rest up Rafa… hoping for improved feelings tomorrow….
Yes Marileena, Rafa knows his body but he doesn’t always listen to his body. “Let’s see what’s gonna happen”, as Rafa would say.
So true Margo…. but we have seen enough injuries in the past that’s led Rafa to drop out of an ongoing tournament or take a pass on an upcoming tournament…
Sitting in the press conference, he wasn’t giving percentages as to whether he would play or not…. I believe his “Let’s see what’s gonna happen” remark was his way of keeping the press at bay without giving any more details
One thing I was surprised to hear was this back issue was 15 days and counting…. Although he continued to practice (however lightly) he’s admitted his serve is most affected.
He needs that weapon and without it at full strength I can’t imagine him going the distance.
Hoping today he woke up stronger and pain free…and his practice has returned to normal.
Marileena, I thought the percentage question was off the wall. Rafa had already said that it’s a day-by-day process. That he is undergoing treatments. So how do you get a percentage out of that?
Agree about the 15 days comment. I was under the impression that the pain started during his last practice just before the CUP.
My thinking on the AO is that Rafa discussed his readiness concerns with Tiley. Now Rafa wants to play and Tiley wants Rafa to play. My question is who wants Rafa to play the most: Rafa or Tiley? Tiley could have said we will include you in the draw but if you can’t play just let us know. That’s just me thinking out loud. I don’t know if that’s fair to Rafa or another player who could have been included to play.
By fair to Rafa I mean we know that Rafa doesn’t like to disappoint and maybe Tiley unwittingly put Rafa in a position to hang on until the last minute. I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on because we don’t have a diagnosis other than “tight” which could mean a lot of things.
The bottom line for me is that he rest until his back is healed. I will be cheering him on simultaneously worrying if his back will hold out. No fun for me.
We believe in your amazing Team to recover you. Take care and Vamosssssss Rafa!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💥⚡🔥. And see you on Tuesday, all the best and good luck!!. We will be watching you, following you, and supporting you, alwaysssssss 😉
Speedy recovery. Can’t wait to see you in action soon!! You’re the best!
Fingers are crossed. Vamos Rafa.
It doesn’t sound good but Rafa said he would try. I can’t ask more from him. He insists on playing so I will support him and hope he will be fine. As much as I want to see him I prefer he goes home to rest his back.
Me too……the best to Rafa!❤️
Apologies RNF. My post on this was done before or during receipt of yours.
No problem, Margo. 🙂
Thank you.