Rafael Nadal’s comeback from a rib stress fracture that he sustained at the Indian Wells Masters in March remains right on schedule.
Nadal announced via social media on Tuesday that he will return at next week’s Mutua Madrid Open as he begins his French Open preparation. The 35-year-old Spaniard missed Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Barcelona–which was expected because of the 4-6 weeks timeframe. Madrid was always Nadal’s target, and barring any setbacks he will have the Madrid-Rome Masters 1000 double to get ready for Roland Garros.
“Despite having a short preparation and facing a difficult event, I can’t wait to play at home, where we don’t have many chances to do so,” Nadal wrote. “I’ll try to do my best. See you in Madrid!”
Nadal returned to practice at his academy in Mallorca last Monday. That marked the first time he had been on a tennis court since getting injured in Indian Wells during a semifinal match against Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal survived that all-Spanish affair and was able to play the final, which he lost to Taylor Fritz.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion is 20-1 in 2022 with three titles–a 250 in Melbourne, the Australian Open, and a 500 in Acapulco. He is now the solo leader in men’s singles major titles for the first time in his career at 21 and can extend his advantage to two over both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic with a 14th French Open triumph.
Roland Garros begins on May 22 following Madrid, Rome, and then a week of 250s.
welcome back, King of Clay
Can’t wait, Rafa!!
I just hope he can play a few matches and enjoy himself in front of his beloved home fans! And PLEASE, PLEASE STAY HEALTHY, RAFA!!
Good to hear that he will be back at Madrid as I expected. I think if he’s fit and healthy, he should be fine playing on clay and I feel he will have good results. Vamos Rafa!
I’m so happy that Rafa is coming back!!! It’s not a day too soon!! I’m just glad he is healthy again and hopes that he stays that way until the rest of the season 🙏🏽😃. Vamos Rafa!!!!