Rafael Nadal’s 2023 season is likely over.
The 22-time major champion underwent surgery on his left hip flexor and expects to stay out of action for at least five months, according to his spokesperson Benito Perez-Barbadillo.
Nadal hasn’t competed professionally since the Australian Open in January when he lost to Mackie McDonald in the second round.
“Rafa will begin his progressive functional rehabilitation in a few hours, and the normal recovery process is estimated at five months, always taking into account respecting the biological times of said structure,” Perez-Barbadillo said, according to ESPN.
The Spaniard said last month that he will probably end his career in 2024.
“You can´t keep demanding more and more from your body, because there comes a moment when your body raises a white flag,” Nadal said during a press conference on May 18.
“Even though your head wants to keep going, your body says this is as far as it goes.”
Nadal’s 22 major titles are tied with Novak Djokovic for the most in men’s tennis history.
Rafael Nadal holds a press conference at his tennis academy.dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, plays a backhand return to Mackenzie McDonald during their second-round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 18, 2023.APDjokovic could pass Nadal on the all-time major list with a win at the French Open next weekend.
Nadal’s won 92 trophies overall with more than 1,000 tour-level match wins.
Nadal dropped out of the French Open last month, just 10 days before the competition began, due to that hip injury.
Nadal had competed in 18 straight French Opens, including a record 14 titles at Roland Garros.
“You never know how things will turn out,” Nadal said, “but my intention is that next year will be my last year.”
