Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal underwent keyhole surgery to address an injury to his left hip, which prevented him from participating in the French Open.
The 36-year-old, who plans to retire after the 2024 season, suffered the injury during the Australian Open in January and has been absent from competitive play since then. Despite engaging in practice sessions in recent weeks, Nadal has not been able to regain enough fitness to participate in the tournament.
The results of the surgery in Barcelona will be announced today [Saturday], as he celebrates his 37th birthday. Last month, Nadal announced his withdrawal from the French Open, marking the first time in 19 years that he will not compete in the event. He revealed his goal of prioritizing his fitness for his final season in 2024.
Nadal’s illustrious career includes 14 men’s singles titles at Roland Garros and a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, equaling the record held by Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.
Due to his absence from several tournaments earlier this year, Nadal’s world ranking has dropped and he is currently ranked 15th.
Confirming the surgery, Nadal’s spokesman, Benito Pérez-Barbadillo, noted that three doctors participated in the procedure.
