Fall 2021, Nadal ‘Still a professional player?’ Career re-threat due to chronic foot pain
© Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT AFP
In the fall of 2021, Rafael Nadal no longer knew whether he was still a professional tennis player or a body barely holding on.
Although the diagnosis was made a long time ago, the aftermath suddenly became cruel.
Müller-Weiss Syndrome is a degenerative disease of the left foot that has been suffered since the mid-2000s, directly impairing the ability to train, run, and compete continuously.
Despite the doctors’ pessimistic outlook, the Spaniard fought to find solutions (particularly specially designed insoles to relieve body weight and foot position).
However, these adjustments resulted in subsequent compensatory injuries and numerous injuries.
Despite personalized treatment, this pain was not always as manageable as it is in 2021.
Nadal announces season suspension in 2021
In fact, Nadal had to end his season early that year, despite a revamped schedule (seven tournaments, only two on hard courts).
He has not competed in any more official competitions since losing to Lloyd Harris in the third round in Washington on August 6, 2021 (6-4, 1-6, 6-4).
This important decision forced him to miss the US Open, where he had won four times (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019).
A few weeks ago, during his legendary showdown with Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of Roland Garros (lost 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2), he already felt uneasy signs of pain.
a touching message
Nadal announced this inevitable but very difficult choice in an emotional message on social media.
“To be honest, this year was unbearable because my feet hurt so much.
I will make every effort to get back to my best condition. To continue competing in the competition that holds the most important goal for me.
I’m confident I can do it if my feet get better and I put in the serious effort every day.
You have to understand that this injury is not new. It’s been around since 2005 and has been hindering my career for years.
We’re ready to do whatever it takes to stay competitive. “I promise to work hard to enjoy this sport more,” he explained.
© Photo by MARTIN BUREAU / AFP
These powerful words testify to the depth of pain the king of clay courts has experienced.
Nadal has always battled pain, but the prospect of retirement has never been this close.
The medical procedure I underwent in the fall was not a miracle solution, but merely an attempt at temporary relief.
For several weeks, training was fragmented and irregular, depending on the reaction of the feet.
Some days I could bowl for an hour, other days I had to stop suddenly.
Nadal would later say: “There were moments when I didn’t know if I would ever be able to play tennis again.”
In these circumstances, Melbourne was more of a test than a goal.
First test before Australian Open
Nadal first registered for the ATP 250 in Melbourne in early January, but wasn’t sure if his body would allow it.
He regained some rhythm by winning the match, and even defeated Cressy in the final (7-6, 6-3) to win the championship.
Still, he was cautious. “Every day is a victory,” he would later confess.
At 35 years old, one of the greatest competitors of all time was no longer looking to the future, but focused on managing the moment.
Check out the complete coverage of this weekend’s Tennis Temple
“Rafael Nadal, Melbourne 2022: Best career win”, available from January 24, 2026.
Last modification on 01/22/2026 at 5:49 p.m.
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Tennis Temple: Rafael Nadal, Melbourne 2022 or the most unexpected victory of his career
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