Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that the injury he suffered the day before during his match in the second round of the Australian Open will require six to eight weeks of recovery.
“I had medical examinations after my defeat yesterday (Wednesday). The MRI showed a second degree lesion of the iliopsoas muscle of the left leg. I will now rest and perform anti-inflammatory therapy. The normal recovery time is 6-8 weeks,” the Spaniard wrote on his Twitter account.
This absence could compromise his participation in the spring American tour with the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells (March 8 to 19) and Miami (March 22 to April 2).
Defending champion, Nadal wanted to finish his match in the second round of the Australian Open lost on Wednesday against the American Mackenzie McDonald (6-4, 6-4, 7-5), despite a pain “in the hip left” which prevented him “from playing backhand and running”, according to his confession.
He had hinted that the rest of his career could depend on the severity of this injury and the time needed for recovery.
The 36-year-old Mallorcan did not indicate his intentions on Thursday.
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