Rafael Nadal Skips Barcelona Open
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from this month's Barcelona Open. Nadal was experiencing a chest issue during his run to the final of the ATP 1000 event in Indian Wells, California in March. Reports in Barcelona stated "a stress fracture of the third left costal arch".
Rafa Nadal may return from injury much sooner than expectedAccording to a statement sent by the team to Reuters, "Rafa has just been withdrawn from the entry list in Barcelona. We don't know yet when he will be at his first tournament on clay this year. Hopefully, soon."
It is undecided whether the 35-year-old Spaniard will return to competitive tennis after withdrawing from this month's ATP event in Barcelona. The winner of 21 Grand Slam singles titles, was ruled out last month for up to six weeks due to his rib injury. However, Madrid and Rome are to host ATP Masters 1000 events next month and the King of Clay would be looking forward to getting back to the competitions before the May 22-June 5 French Open, a tournament that he has won 13 times.
Rafael Nadal's Start to a Fierce Year and Subsequent Injury
Rafael Nadal and his team disclosed that he was forced to miss Barcelona Open and they “don’t know” anything about his possible comeback. Before the ongoing injury phase, Nadal had a six-month-long injury lay-off and upon his return, he took the ATP Tour by storm. He scored 20-1 for the new season and also won his 21st Grand Slam title setting the record for the most number of wins. He won the Melbourne Summer Set, the Mexican Open, the Australian Open, and reached the final of the Indian Wells Masters.
However, the Spanish icon experienced an injury in his Indian Wells semi-final against Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz and struggled to play the final as he was in considerable pain. After that, he announced that he will not be out and about for around four to six weeks due to a stress fracture to one of his ribs. Although he was fully prepared to miss the Miami Open, his prolonged absence will affect his preparations prior to next month’s French Open.
When Will Rafa Return?
Having been absent from the Monte Carlo Masters, Nadal's leave from the Barcelona Open in his native Spain was a given although he could attend next month’s Madrid Masters. If the four to six-week window proves accurate, he will manage to participate in the Rome Masters and two ATP 250 events in Geneva and Lyon.
The Spaniard will hope for an early return to regain his fitness before he descends to his beloved Roland Garros, where he could extend his current record to bag his 13th win along with his 22nd Grand Slam victory. He currently occupies the fourth position in the ATP rankings behind Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and world number one Novak Djokovic. With 7115 points, Rafael Nadal is far behind his well-known contender Nole, who reigns over the men's singles circuit with 8420 points.