Rafael Nadal’s team announced that he underwent surgery on his right hand on Thursday in Barcelona to address severe osteoarthritis.
Rafa Nadal underwent a surgical procedure yesterday at the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona, where surgery was performed on his right hand due to severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint.
The procedure, carried out under the supervision of Ángel Ruiz-Cotorro, Rafa Nadal’s physician, together with Dr. Vilaro, and performed by Dr. Alex Lluch, consisted of an arthroplasty aimed at relieving pain and restoring mobility of the joint.
In addition, Rafa himself shared a photo on social media with the caption:
Looks like I won’t be able to play the Australian Open 2026. 😂
I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I’d been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon. 🤗
It’s sad to see Rafa still having to battle pain even in retirement, but we love his humour about playing Down Under when we all know he has hung up his racket and is now enjoying retirement. We wish him a speedy recovery!
My favourite player of all time…recover well!
Dear Rafa, I wish you a speedy recovery and maybe, since you are a lefty, you still can play AO 😊😊
I wish you and your lovely family very happy end-of-year celebrations ✨🎄✨🎄
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Wishing you were really going to play Down Under…
Tennis has not been or ever will be the same without you.. best wishes to you and your family .
Recover well soon, Rafa. All the best!❤️
We wish you a complete and speedy recovery from your hand surgery. Miss you
much, Rafa. Good luck with all your future endeavours🥰
As if he hasn’t had enough surgeries! But he is still the Rafa we know and love, full of life and with a great sense of humor.
Since you retired tennis is no longer what it was at least not for me… Miss him lots, happy holidays to you Rafa your family and your darling sons ❤️
Get better soon Rafa. Wishing you a happy Christmas and New Year period with your family.
Tennis will never be as exciting without Rafa. Miss him so much.