Rafael Nadal also had to deal with injuries in 2022. The Spanish phenomenon has managed to win two majors this year, the Australian Open and Roland Garros, despite the pain in his foot has put him to the test and made him think about retirement several times.
The former world number 1 went on the hunt for his third Wimbledon title in the summer, but a tear in his abs prevented him from playing the semi-final against Nick Kyrgios. That injury also affected his approach to the US Open, where he hoped to take advantage of Novak Djokovic’s absence.
A Rafa in precarious conditions surrendered in the quarters to a wild Frances Tiafoe. On Saturday 8 October, Nadal and Xisca gave birth to their first child. The 36-year-old from Manacor is expected to play the Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy and the ATP Finals in Turin, and then play a series of performances in South America.
In fact, it has been confirmed that Rafa will not take part in the Davis Cup finals, which will take place in Malaga from 22 to 27 November.
Bruguera opens up on Nadal
Sergi Bruguera confirmed the quartet that will represent Spain in the 2022 Davis Cup Finals.
The presence of Alcaraz, number one in the world, and two great lieutenants such as Pablo Carreño and Roberto Bautista ensure a fully guaranteed squad, although many longed for a Rafael Nadal’s return to one of his favorite competitions.
In the press conference in which he announced the call, the national coach made it very clear that the Spaniard ruled out the Davis Cup completely, at least this season: “Rafa told me at the beginning of the year not to count on him, that he was not going to be for the Davis Cup.
He has always been there, but not this year. He has the right to choose, he has already won the competition several times”, confirmed a Bruguera who, in addition, limited the search for the fifth man: Albert Ramos, Alejandro Davidovich and Pedro Martínez will fight for a position.
Putting an asterisk next to Rafael Nadal’s memorable 2022 Australian Open title victory due to Novak Djokovic’s absence is unfair to the Spanish great, believes leading ATP commentator Brian Clark. “People will put an asterisk next to Nadal winning the Australian Open because Djokovic has made that his personal tournament…I think not fair to Nadal because he can only play who is in front of him and he beat everybody in front of him,” Brian Clark said.
