‘It’s Very Borderline’ – French Cyclist Blatantly Questions Rafael Nadal’s Use of Painkillers at French Open 2022

Rafael Nadal scripted history by winning his 14th Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday. With the victory, he now stands on top with 22 Grand Slams to his name. The Spaniard battled through a foot injury throughout the tournament to claim the Championship.

However, using anesthesia that blocked the nerves allowed him to play throughout the tournament. Now, Nadal’s treatment has come into question by a certain French cyclist named Guillaume Martin.

Martin embarrassed by ‘infiltrations’ in sports

Martin, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Cofidis, questioned the Spaniard’s ability to win without the treatment, saying, “What Nadal did would have been impossible on the bike, and I find that normal. If we are sick or injured, we don’t run, we don’t compete, it seems like common sense to me.”

“They come across as heroes because they go far in pain, but in fact, they use substances to go far in pain and again, it’s very borderline. The winner in the bike, in particular that of the Tour, even if there is no element behind it, he is systematically accused of doping,” he said.

The 28-year-old returned to France after finishing 14th in the Giro d’ Italia last week.

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Treatment undergone by Rafael Nadal during the French Open

The Spaniard struggled since his match against Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the opening rounds. The pain intensified as he played an epic thriller against Félix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. However, Nadal’s treatment continued with injections to significantly reduce the pain.

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Nadal also suffers from the Mueller Weiss Syndrome, a rare cause of chronic mid-foot pain. This pain has been a cause of concern for the 36-year-old as he enters the final years of a remarkable career.

Will we see Nadal return to the Tour at Wimbledon or will he take a deserved rest after winning the first 2 Grand Slams of the year? Give us your thoughts in the comments.