Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal gave some updates on his fitness condition ahead of the 2019 Australian Open after underwent a foot surgery in early November.
Nadal successfully underwent ankle surgery, but he made a last minute decision to pull out of the ATP Tour Finals to ensure he is fit for this year.
“I feel good. If I am not feeling good, I would not be there. I have good feelings in terms of the surgery that I have in the foot. I can say is almost done.” Nadal said.
“Then of course, after surgery, after months without competing, having trouble to practice, of course there is always issues when you come back. But nothing new for me. I had couple of ones of this. Just accept the challenges of the body presents and the tennis presents.
Nadal has not featured on a tennis court since his US Open semifinal retirement against the Argentine Juan Martin del Porto.
“I have done everything possible to reach the end of the season in good condition, both in Paris and London, doing things well and I really wanted to play.” Nadal said.
“Unfortunately, I had the abdominal problem in Paris last year and, in addition, I have a free body in the ankle joint has to be removed in the operating room that day.
“It is true that we had detected it for a long time and from time to tome it bothered me. However, since the problem in the abdominal muscle also prevents me from playing in London, we take advantage of the moment to remove the free body and avoid future problems.” He added.
Rafael Nadal doubt he could play at Australian Open 2019. (Source:www.dw.com)
Nadal retired down by 0-2 in the fifth set of his Australian Open quarterfinal with Marin Cilic last year. And the Spaniard is keen to make comeback at the same tournament this year.
“Is again another season, coming back from a tough period of time, but with highest motivation possible to start another season.” Nadal said.
“Very excited to be back here in Melbourne, starting another one. Yeah, of course is good news that I am here again, for me, I don’t know for you. That’s my feeling, happy to be here.” Nadal added.
