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Rafael Nadal's season has not started in the best way. The Spanish champion lost his two matches at the United Cup against Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur, before making his debut with a victory at the Australian Open against Jack Draper.
Just during the second round match with Mackenzie McDonald in Melbourne, Nadal had to deal with a new injury. The Majorcan didn't retire and tried to fight until the end, but still collected his third defeat of the season.
After returning to Spain, Nadal underwent an MRI scan which revealed a second-degree lesion to the iliopsoas muscle. In order not to jeopardize the clay season, the 22-time Grand Slam champion preferred not to participate in the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami and concentrate on his recovery journey.
Nadal will return to the field in Monte Carlo, a tournament scheduled from 9 to 16 April.
Uncle Toni on Nadal's future: "Do I retire? He'll decide"
Toni Nadal, Rafael's former coach and uncle, spoke about his nephew's future in a very interesting interview with the Marca newspaper.
He told: "Rafa and I see each other often. Obviously things have changed: I don't live his daily life as before. I think he's much better now, but let's not kid ourselves: Rafa needs some physical guarantees to win. He is aware that to be in the top 10 you have to play consistently.
I knew sooner or later he would drop out of the top 10. It's not something that worries Rafa. The important thing is that when he plays he feels he has a chance of winning. I think he's on the right track. Nadal's retirement? I imagine he will decide to retire in Madrid or Roland Garros.
He will make that decision when the time comes. It's hard to retire winning like Pete Sampras did. I have never discussed this topic with Rafa. Let's continue and then we'll see. I've always been hard on him. I knew that I could improve Rafael's character. I made it difficult for him, but this helped him overcome the difficulties."
