BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal underwent surgery to treat pain and gain mobility in his right hand, the retired tennis great said Friday.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who plays left-handed, said in an X-post that he has been dealing with the issue “for a long time.”
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Nadal accompanied the publication on social networks with a photo of himself with his right arm bandaged and in a sling. He also joked that he “won’t be able to play the Australian Open,” next year’s first major tournament.
The surgery was intended to “relieve pain and restore mobility” to the joint at the base of his right thumb, according to a separate statement from Nadal’s representative. The operation was carried out in a private clinic in Barcelona.
The 39 year old man Nadal retired from tennis in November 2024, finally giving up hope of being able to extend his hugely successful career after playing through various injuries.
In May, Nadal told a ceremony celebrating his record 14 titles at Roland Garros in Paris that he I hadn’t touched a racket within six months his last professional matcha defeat with Spain in the Davis Cup 13 months ago.
Last month, a video circulated of him hitting balls with professional player Alexandra Eala at Nadal’s academy on his home island of Mallorca.
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