![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/5001755.jpg?r=1696844601990\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Rafael Nadal\u2019s long-time doctor has issued a new update on his recovery from injury. The 37-year-old hasn\u2019t played a match since January, when he picked up a psoas injury. He then underwent surgery in June. Dr Angel Ruiz-Cotorro explained that the type of issue Nadal had put him in a \u201cdifficult situation\u201d but he has backed the Spaniard to return to competition.<\/p>\n
Nadal injured his left psoas during his second-round exit at the Australian Open and targeted a comeback during the clay season. But his attempts to return were unsuccessful and instead, the former world No 1 called a press conference in May to announce that he was shutting down his season and 2024 would likely be his final year on tour.<\/p>\n
A few weeks later, Nadal had arthroscopic surgery on the eve of his birthday. And the 22-time Major champion has since shared some encouraging footage of himself on the practice court as he prepares for what could be a farewell tour next season. With Nadal upping the intensity in training, his doctor has shared a new update four months after the operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cNadal has a very high mental health base. He is a very strong person, he has shown it in all his years of competition. Really, it is one of his strengths,\u201d Ruiz-Cotorro told Spain\u2019s IB3 TV. Nadal\u2019s doctor also admitted that he likely aggravated the injury by trying to play through the pain before conceding and going under the knife.<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news<\/strong><\/p>\n Just in <\/strong> Djokovic ‘said he had been offered match fixing’ as tennis star called ‘snitch'[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cWhen you have an injury of this type, you come fighting, and then you see that you can\u2019t, and you have to have surgery. It is a difficult situation. You have to help him, from all points of view.\u201d<\/p>\n With Nadal nearing the end of his outlined five-month recovery window, Ruiz-Cotorro said the procedure had been positive and backed the 93-time title winner to be competitive on his return in 2024 for what may be a goodbye.<\/p>\n \u201cHe, since he knows this process and wants to play again, is doing everything possible to make it happen,\u201d he added. \u201cHe has already shown us other times that he has returned; he will return once again.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> But the Spaniard\u2019s long-time doctor wasn\u2019t entirely sure whether he could fulfil his recovery timeline, meaning Nadal could find himself forced to push things back by another month. \u201cWe set ourselves this deadline (of five months) because it is important for an athlete to have a goal to stimulate his will to fight and to recover,\u201d Ruiz-Cotorro explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is difficult to say whether in five months he will be able to play at 100 per cent. He may have to take another month to recover.\u201d Nadal recently shared his first video from the practice court since having surgery. The 37-year-old had previously complained that he couldn\u2019t train with any intensity but in new footage, he looks to be upping his workload in a positive sign for his return.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/5001760.jpg?r=1696844602038\")
<\/p>\n
Carlos Alcaraz told of Novak Djokovic effect as Spaniard proved wrong about snub[REACTION] <\/strong>
Andy Murray’s mum admits she ‘gets herself into trouble’ as she calls for change[QUOTES] <\/strong>
Carlos Alcaraz on Daniil Medvedev scouting mission as star smashes racket[RECAP] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/5001764.jpg?r=1696844602117\")
<\/p>\n