Rafael Nadal 'training well and following the schedule' ahead of his ATP return, according to his doctor

ByEurosport

Published 18/10/2022 at 09:56 GMT

Rafael Nadal's doctor claims the 22-time Grand Slam winner will make his return to the ATP Tour this year with the Paris Masters in mind. Nadal has not played since the Laver Cup last month as he steps up his recovery from an abdominal injury that he has persevered with since Wimbledon and has also spent time away from the court as he has become a father for the first time.

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Rafael Nadal is training well and is closing in on a return to the ATP tour this year, according to his doctor.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner has not played competitively since defeat in a doubles match alongside Roger Federer in the Swiss' last ever match at the Laver Cup in September.

Even during that match, Nadal was struggling with an abdominal injury which forced him out of the Wimbledon semi-finals and it proved detrimental to his US Open campaign where he crashed out in the fourth round against Frances Tiafoe.

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As well recovering from his injury, Nadal has been away from the court because his wife has given birth to his firstborn son.

Nadal took to social media to thank his fans for the messages that he and his family have received.

But with the Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP finals still remaining on the 2022 tennis calendar, his doctor Angel Cotorro has provided an injury update on Nadal and it is positive news.

"Rafa is fine, very happy with his fatherhood," he told Spanish newspaper El Comercio.

"Once that situation is fulfilled, which logically takes you out of the day to day, he is training well and following the schedule for the end of the season.

"I think the secret is hard work, passion for the sport, trying to improve every day, and having outstanding physical tennis qualities.

"He is a historic player for our sport and there he continues to give us joy."

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Although Nadal has not stated which ATP tournaments he will participate to end the year, he has confirmed his participation in an exhibition event in South America in late November where he will be joined by this year's French Open and US Open finalist Casper Ruud.

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Nadal has never won the Paris Masters or the Nitto ATP finals.

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The 2023 Australian Open starts on January 16 and will be streamed live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

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