Rafael Nadal has been fighting injuries for a couple of years. The Spaniard has won a Major in five of the previous six seasons, but often had to take breaks and skip many essential tournaments. Boris Becker, a six-time Major winner, doesn’t see Rafa playing until he’s 40, and believes his retirement is probably just around the corner.
Nadal was unable to catch a breather in 2021, experiencing setbacks and skipping the second part of the season with foot problems. Out of shape and with leg matches, Rafa started from scratch at the beginning of 2022 and surprised everyone, including himself.
The Spaniard went 20-0 in the first four tournaments of the season and lifted his first Australian Open crown since 2009. Nadal rose above all challenges and defeated Daniil Medvedev in an epic final to become the first player with 21 Major titles.
Rafa ended his streak in the Indian Wells final against Taylor Fritz, fracturing his left rib and staying away from the slopes until May. The king of clay did not provide his best game in Madrid and Rome, and his left foot bothered him again facing Roland Garros.
In search of his 14th Parisian title, Nadal required injections before games to dull the pain and move without problems. Rafa overcame tough challenges and secured his 22nd Major title…
