Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, will be out of action for another five months as he recovers from hip surgery.
The tennis star, who recently turned 37, underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address his long-standing injury.
Nadal’s team reported that the surgery was successful, with damaged areas cleaned and reinforced, while an old injury was also treated.
Nadal’s representative, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, stated that the tennis icon would commence a progressive functional rehabilitation in a few hours.
The expected recovery period is estimated at five months.
Unfortunately, Nadal had to withdraw from the French Open, marking the first time in 19 years that he will not participate in the prestigious tournament.
As the record 14-time champion at Roland Garros, his absence will be felt.
Last month, Nadal revealed his retirement plans, announcing his intention to retire at the end of the 2024 season.
He expressed his desire to prioritize his physical condition in preparation for his final year on the court.
His goal is to bid farewell to the tournaments that hold the most significance for him.
