'Rafael Nadal works hard and should be ready for Monte Carlo,' said Nadal's doctor

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.