"This can be the solution so that he can be healthy": Henman and Schett hope for the best in Nadal's recovery

Rafael Nadal turned 37 yesterday and one day before his birthday Nadal underwent surgery for his injury which will see him away from the court for about 5 months.

It doesn't seem likely that Nadal will return to tennis this year and he shouldn't. The Spaniard missed pretty much the entirety of this year due to a hip injury that he sustained earlier this year in Australia. He has now undergone surgery for it with the hopes of returning to competition in 2024 for what would be his final season on the Tour.

Reacting to the news, Eurosport analyst Tim Henman said:

“Obviously, when he’s been out since the Australian Open, and he’s trying all sorts of different therapies to get back on court, they haven’t worked. So now, to have a surgery is obviously serious. But you know, fingers crossed. This can be the solution so that he can be healthy and then he can train and build up to getting back on the match court. Because that’s what he wants, that’s what we want, that’s what all the tennis fans want."

Henman added:

“We always wish Rafa well and we want to see him back. We miss Rafa enormously at any tournament let alone Roland Garros. We really hope that there’s good news tomorrow or whenever it is after Rafa’s surgery.”

Former player Barbara Schett also reacted to the news wishing the Spaniard a good recovery.

“Rafa, we wish you well. Tomorrow is your birthday. Hopefully you don’t have to celebrate it in the hospital."