via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the fifth set of his Men’s Singles final match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Because of his persistent foot injury, Rafael Nadal had to withdraw from the two ATP Masters events, Toronto and Cincinnati, leading up to the US Open 2021. Moreover, he has now returned to his home in Spain to meet his personal doctor, Angel Ruiz-Cotorro.
Most significantly, the outcome of this meeting with the doctor will decide the Spaniard’s fate regarding New York. Not to forget that doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro has treated Nadal’s wrist injury in 2016 and many others during his professional career.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Madrid Open – Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain – May 7, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his quarter final match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/Sergio Perez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Read More: What’s Going Wrong With Rafael Nadal Following Multiple Withdrawals Before US Open 2021?
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Previously, the Mallorcan stayed away from tennis for two months, hoping to recover after the French Open loss. Although he made his return in Washington, his left foot trouble has seemingly gotten worse.
However, since Nadal has decided to skip the National Bank Open and Western and Southern Open, he has now got extended time to recover. But the biggest worry remains: Will the four-time champion be fully fit in time for the US Open 2021?
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Rafael Nadal raises doubts over US Open 2021 participation
Going to the doctor must be the last resort for Rafael Nadal. Even then, the 20-time Grand Slam champion would give his everything to recover quickly and return to the Tour.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 4, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Hopefully, good news would arrive after meeting Dr. Angel Ruiz-Cotorro. Otherwise, Nadal would be out of the opportunity to become the first 21-time Grand Slam winner.
Subsequently, both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have also withdrawn from the two ATP Masters events. Hence, coming together at the US Open, the competition between the 20-time Grand Slam champions would be equal.
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When did Nadal last skip two consecutive Grand Slam tournaments?
Amid the two-month break, the Spaniard also missed the Wimbledon Championships this year. In addition, if he misses the US Open 2021, it would become his second consecutive Grand Slam withdrawal.
The last time Nadal missed two major events back-to-back was the US Open 2012 and the Australian Open 2013. Without any doubt, tennis fans would not want that to repeat this season.
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Do you think Nadal will return to compete at the US Open 2021?
