Rafael Nadal in Season 2021: A Year Hampered With Injuries

Rafael Nadal and injuries seem to go hand-in-hand this season. Earlier today, the Spaniard announced he hasn’t fully recovered from the foot injury he picked up during the French Open. Hence, he announced his withdrawal from the rest of the 2021 season.

This will be just the third calendar year since 2005 where Nadal will go without a Grand Slam. While he has two ATP titles in 2021, his current predicament is one in a long list of injuries he suffered this year.

Rafael Nadal suffered from back and foot injuries during this year

The 2021 ATP season began with the ATP Cup, which Nadal missed due to a back injury. Although he made it to the Australian Open just days later, the Spaniard suffered an exit in the quarterfinals after losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

He then missed the Rotterdam Open, the Mexican Open, and the Miami Open due to another back injury. However, the Spaniard returned in time for the clay court season, taking part in the Monte Carlo Masters. Following his quarterfinal exit from the tournament, he won the Barcelona Open and the Italian Open, building momentum for the French Open.

While Nadal lost the semifinal in Roland Garros to Novak Djokovic, he picked up a foot injury. This injury kept him out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics, with the Spaniard only returning to the Citi Open.

After losing to Lloyd Harris in the third round, Nadal revealed his foot didn’t heal completely. He then withdrew from the subsequent National Bank Open and Cincinnati Open. This left many wondering whether he would take part in the US Open, despite the Spaniard saying that was his objective.

The 35-year-old clarified those doubts earlier today, by withdrawing not just from the US Open, but also the rest of the 2021 season.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal Records – A Look at Nadal’s Insurmountable Feats

Novak Djokovic remains the only ‘Big 3’ player to compete in the US Open

Nadal joins his long-time rival Roger Federer and 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem on the sidelines. More importantly, it leaves Djokovic with a huge chance of clinching his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.

Although he will face stiff competition in Flushing Meadows, the Serb will be the favorite after winning all three Grand Slam tournaments this year.

WATCH STORY: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Other Emotional Moments at Olympic Games