'Absolutely unexpected': Rafael Nadal injury a 'real shame' ahead of French Open says concerned Alex Corretja

Rafael Nadal's injury sustained at Indian Wells was «absolutely unexpected» and a «real shame», according to Eurosport expert Alex Corretja. The 2022 Australian Open champion has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a cracked rib suffered during his defeat in the final against Taylor Fritz in the California desert on Sunday. Ad/> Nadal was visibly struggling to breathe during the match, saying afterwards that he was finding it “difficult”, having had to lie down at times to receive treatment.

WTA Indian Wells'Disturbing and heartbreaking' — Evert on hecklers and 'bright light' Osaka3 HOURS AGO The 35-year-old had been struggling with a pectoral injury during the tournament, but on his return to Spain on Tuesday he told reporters that he was “all good". However, after consultation with doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, it was revealed that he has a stress fracture in the third-left costal arch — an injury that occurred during the match. The time frame for his recovery will leave him with limited preparation time for the 2022 French Open as he looks to snatch back his long-standing crown from rival Novak Djokovic, and Corretja has admitted that it is a concern.

«This injury for Rafa was absolutely unexpected,» Corretja told Eurosport Spain. «Honestly, he was in perfect form, with confidence, winning matches. It really was a perfect start for the season, but sometimes it can happen that when you haven't competed for a while you start to win many sets, many matches and that sometimes causes a new injury, as has been the case this time.