The 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal has played only one tournament in 2021, struggling with a back injury and missing all the action after the Australian Open.
Nadal's doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro shared the good news with Rafa's fans, saying that the Spaniard is training at full speed ahead of his beloved clay-swing, giving his best to prepare for the season's second Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo. As was expected, Rafa will throw everything on five clay-court events this spring, hoping to win more titles than in the last couple of years and chase the 14th Roland Garros trophy in June if the event goes as scheduled.
Nadal suffered a back injury in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open and had to skip the ATP Cup. The Spaniard entered the Australian Open and made a good start against Laslo Djere and Michael Mmoh, finishing the job in straight sets and under two hours. Rafa defeated Cameron Norrie and Fabio Fognini with a maximum score as well, feeling better and earning a massive chance to reach the semis.
In the quarter-final duel against Stefanos Tsitsipas, the more experienced player wasted a huge two sets to love advantage, failing to seal the deal in the third set's tie break and hitting the exit door in five sets. It was Nadal's last match of the season so far, and that should change in Monte Carlo next week.
"Rafael Nadal is training hard; everything goes according to his plans. Nadal's goal is to play at his best during the clay-swing from Monte Carlo to Roland Garros," says doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
