Although it required a few stumbles and falls, Rafael Nadal reached the 2024 Bastad Open quarterfinal.
Currently, anytime the 38-year-old goes through any physical stress in his work, his followers hold their breath. A number of injuries have kept the Spaniard off the tennis courts for a considerable amount of time in recent years.
One of the more difficult surgery he had recently was a hip replacement. The ability to walk normally following hip surgery, much alone participate in a sport where lateral movement is essential, is something that people should consider a great blessing.
Nadal acknowledges his luck, to the first degree, and believes he is incredibly fortunate in many ways. He counts it a blessing to be able to play on the courts in Bastad and is thrilled to be able to compete in the ATP 250 competition, which he won 19 years ago.
When it comes to Nadal and his physique, there is a certain level of caution. This is not his first return to Bastad this year. The first one was in Australia, and it didn’t last very long since he hurt himself in just three games.
His second effort at a comeback was postponed due to another injury setback, which occurred in March ahead of Indian Wells. Then he was back on clay, and as he had not hurt himself, he was able to go to Bastad.
Nadal acknowledged that tumbles are a part of clay tennis in an interview with the media following the match. He takes things as they come and appears to have recovered from his most recent fall without further injury.
“The knee, the elbow, the back, since I came here. I seem to be tumbling on the court for the fourth time. But just acknowledge that it’s a part of the clay as well.”
Nadal on tumbling to the clay
He may not be injured right now because there doesn’t appear to be any sign that he won’t participate in the semifinal.
But over time, it will be interesting to observe since, given his lengthy injury history, it just takes one mishap to cause him harm and potentially force him into an early retirement.
For this reason, despite his outward displays of optimism, Rafael Nadal declines to speculate about his future. He’s not familiar with it, and he probably would have said something better.
“There are many things I accomplished well, but there are also many things I still need to work on. But against a really strong opponent, it was a win. For me, it’s a significant victory. I have participated in matches already, and I may get the opportunity to play in the quarterfinals once more.”
🗣️ I’m happy and a positive victory against a good opponent
Rafa after the victory vs Norrie💙#nordeaopen #båstad #tennis #atp
🎥 @TorbjornDencker pic.twitter.com/T441qV0L7V
— Nordea Open (@NordeaOpen) July 18, 2024