Rafael Nadal's expected return date as Spaniard set for spell off court due to injury

Rafael Nadal is set to miss several weeks of action after suffering a rib injury at the Indian Wells Masters. The Spaniard had been playing through the agony of a stress fracture in his chest, which he is believed to have sustained during his semi-final match against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.

Remarkably, the 35-year-old managed to overcome his pain to win that match and set up a meeting with home favourite Taylor Fritz in the final. He was unable to beat the American, however, as he fell to a straight sets defeat while still experiencing obvious discomfort on the court.

After returning to Spain, he underwent medical checks which identified the source of the stabbing pain he was experiencing in his chest. The stress fracture on his rib had also left Nadal complaining of dizziness and some breathing difficulties.

"As it turns out, I have a stress crack in one of my ribs and will be out for 4-6 weeks," he announced on social media. "This is not good news and I did not expect this. I am hollow and sad because after the start of the season I have had such a good time.

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"I reached a very important part of the year with very good feelings and good results. But hey, I've always had that fighting spirit and what I will do is be patient and work hard after my recovery. Once again thanks to everyone for the support."

His injury has curtailed what had been an incredible start to the Spaniard's season. That defeat against Fritz in the Indian Wells final ended a 20-match winning streak which had seen him lift three trophies, the main one being the Australian Open in January, and shoot back up to third in the world rankings.

What makes that run of form even