‘The Risk Is Higher’ – Recuperating Rafael Nadal Sheds Light on His Expectations From the 2022 US Open

Spanish tennis maestro Rafael Nadal is all set to enter the US Open as the second seed. The 36-year-old is playing his first US Open in three years. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is worried about his injury.

Earlier this year, the Spaniard incurred an abdominal injury playing in the quarterfinal of the Wimbledon Championships 2022. The injury was so severe that he had to pull out of his semifinal clash against Nick Kyrgios. Even though he made his return to the tour in Cincinnati Masters, the 36-year-old looked uncomfortable in his first-round loss.

Rafael Nadal on his injury

Nadal has had a fair share of problems with his body this year. The 22-time Grand Slam champion won the French Open earlier this year with his persistent foot issue. Further, he had to leave Wimbledon midway. Now that he has returned to the US Open, the Spaniard is still concerned about the abdominal tear.

“(It) is a tough injury because it’s dangerous, it’s risky. When you have a scar, it’s a place that you put a lot of effort when you are serving,” he said. Further, explaining his injury, the 36-year-old said, “You need to find flexibility again because when you have a scar there (at the) beginning it’s not flexible … The risk of breaking when you are doing an important movement back there on a thing that is not flexible like before, the risk is higher.”

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However, the world number three hopes for a good tournament. “From my perspective, I’m practicing quite well. Let’s see what can happen,” he concluded.

Nadal to start his US Open campaign next week

Rafael Nadal will start his US Open 2022 campaign against the Australian tennis player Rinky Hijikata. The world number.198 is unlikely to give a challenge to Nadal. However, with his fitness issues, it will be a test for Nadal.

If we have a look at his quarter of the draw, the 36-year-old doesn’t have much to worry about. The path looks easy for the legend until he reaches the quarterfinal. In the quarterfinal, he might face the challenge from Cameron Norrie.

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Advancing further, the Spaniard could be up against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. For now, Nadal will hope to regain full fitness before the start of his campaign.