USA Today via Reuters
Mar 19, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) reacts after missing a shot during a victory over Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in their semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 19, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) reacts after missing a shot during a victory over Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in their semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly the King of Clay, and his records on the red dirt are unmatched and unparalleled. The clay season has been one of the most successful seasons in terms of records, for a long time for the Spaniard. But his recent injury has cast a shadow on his 2022 clay campaign.
These years have been fantastic for Nadal as well. He had the best start to the season, whereby he won 19 consecutive matches, and three titles along with it. Returning from an injury that kept him out for 6 months, he won at the Melbourne Summer Set against Maxime Cressy. He then took part in the Australian Open, his least successful tournament so far, and won his 21st Grand Slam. Nadal thus became the only man in the ATP tour so far to win 21 Grand Slams. He repeated his winning streak at Acapulco as well, picking up his 91 ATP tour-level title.
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While he reached the Finals of the Indian Wells masters, too, he sustained an injury in the process. Rafael Nadal had to call for medical assistance during his match against a rising Spanish youngster, Carlos Alcaraz. He won the semifinal encounter. However, in the finals against Taylor Fritz, his movements seemed to lack his usual aggression and speed.
Read More: ‘This Injury Is a Hiccup’: Chris Evert Assesses Rafael Nadal Bouncing Back at French Open 2022
It was later announced by the Spaniard that he had suffered a stress-induced fracture in his ribs and would be missing a considerable portion of the clay season.
Rafael Nadal provides updates about the season
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It was revealed recently that his injury will not allow him to play in the Barcelona Open, where he has won a record 12 times. He has already missed the Monte Carlo Masters, which is underway currently. As per reports, Nadal is slated to be back on the tour in Madrid.
Rafa Nadal won’t play Barcelona next week, as expected.
Plan now is to comeback in Madrid. His first match would be in may 4th
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 11, 2022
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Experts and fans are of the opinion that the clay season is not complete without the presence of the King of Clay, and as always, expectations are high when it comes to him. Here’s hoping that he can pick up from exactly the kind of form that he ended his hard court season with.
WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis
