Rafael Nadal explains how to deal with injuries and return stronger

Rafael Nadal is celebrating the 800th top-10 week on Monday, standing in the elite group for almost 16 years despite all the injuries and setbacks.

The 20-time Major champion is one of the most accomplished players in tennis history, standing in the top-2 at 34 and preparing for the new season in Adelaide. Nadal could have ended his career many times, suffering severe injuries and skipping many important tournaments.

Speaking about his injuries, Nadal said that the most important thing is to overcome those entirely and return at 100%. Also, the player has to stay positive and think about the possible changes in his game that would help him regain his level and maybe reach the next level.

In recent years, Nadal had to withdraw from Brisbane, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Miami, Queen's, Cincinnati, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and the ATP Finals in 2018, still finishing in the top-2!

Rafa had to pass three hard-court Masters 1000 tournaments in 2019, earning the year-end no. 1 honor thanks to an excellent performance at those events that he entered. Due to the coronavirus, Nadal endured a short campaign in 2020, hoping to play injury-free in the season ahead of us and fight for more notable titles.

"You have to do everything to return and continue where you left. When an injury occurs, all I can do is accept it and remain on the patient work towards recovery as quickly as possible. Also, the most important thing is to recover fully," Rafael Nadal said.

"I have had many setbacks with injuries over the years. Still, I have managed to find a solution for them every time. Besides the medical solution, I had to seek the one on the court too. When you accumulate problems, it is not the momentary issue but also what remains inside your head; it disappoints you to see what to do when you get injured.