Nadal ramps up return preparations and sets sights on Madrid

April 19, 2022

ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News, Tennis Players

Rafael Nadal ramps up return preparations and sets sights on Madrid

Grand Slam legend Rafael Nadal has confirmed that his recovery and return from injury is gathering momentum as the Spaniard looks to be fit for the Madrid Open next month.

The 21-time Slam champion great, who suffered a cracked rib in his semi-final clash against teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells in March, is on track to return on schedule with his recovery plans.

When the 35-year-old announced the injury, he said he would be out for four to six weeks.

Now, after four weeks of rest and rehab, Nadal has confirmed that the final stretch of his recovery is in motion.

He posted on Instagram saying, “After four weeks without stepping on a tennis court, first soft training.

“What excitement to get back on the clay!”

The ‘King of Clay’, who is set to turn 36 in June, has missed the start of the European clay court tour and has been unable to add to his record number of titles at both the Monte Carlo Masters and this week’s Barcelona Open due to the injury.

However, with his recovery plans in full swing, the Spaniard could potentially make his return at the Madrid Masters, which is set to commence on 1st may, 6 weeks after his cracked rib diagnosis.

Rafael Nadal will be keen to play the tournament’s 20th anniversary as he holds the record for the most titles claimed in Madrid with five.

Despite his recent absence, he still leads the ATP Race to Turin, with 20 wins and only one loss, that coming in the final of Indian Wells against Taylor Fritz in which he was already injured before taking to court.