The 2021 season was a disappointing year for Rafael Nadal in many ways. After failing to advance past the quarterfinals in the Australian Open in early February, he appeared at the French Open to defend his title and achieve his fifth victory in a row. However, he ended up by being defeated in his semi-final against Novak Djokovic. Later on, with only ten days to the beginning of the US Open, he announced he would be ending his 2021 season due to a foot injury. However, this was not the only bad news for Rafael Nadal, as 2021 marks the first time in 16 years that the Toro Miúra (Spanish Fighting Bull) won’t finish the season in the top eight of the ATP Singles Race Ranking.

Nadal has been a consistent figure in the world of tennis for many years. He has been listed among the eight best tennis players of the year since 2005 when he was 19 years old and finished as the second-best tennis player of the season. Even in the years when he was absent from the ATP Finals (2005, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018), mainly due to injuries, the Spaniard finished in the top 8. However, in 2021, Nadal dropped two positions and he is now tenth.

For now, Nadal plans to return to the court later this year. The Spanish star is still recovering from a complicated left foot injury and hopes to take part in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition tournament held between 16 and 18 December. Additionally, he is expected to fight for his 21st Slam title and according to the Australian Open outright tennis betting markets, he is one of the top contenders to win the first Grand Slam tournament of the year at odds of 7/1.

Coming Back Stronger

Despite this particularly challenging moment in his career, Nadal has steadily been recovering from his foot injury and, after undergoing a medical procedure, has already been able to return to training. He is currently making his recovery at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain.

In addition to the event held in Abu Dhabi, the current number five in the world also revealed his plans ahead of the Australian Open.

‘My plan is to play Abu Dhabi in December, and some other tournament before the Australian Open. That’s my goal,’ stated the 35-year-old Spaniard.

Even with plans to compete later in December, Nadal understands that his recovery is not yet over.

‘My foot injury still needs to improve, but I’m already training almost 90 minutes a day. This is positive,’ he commented. ‘I’m training and feeling better. I’m back on the court,’ Rafa concluded.

Physical problems were a constant in Nadal’s 2021 run. As a result, he missed the ATP Finals, which is the only main tournament that he is yet to win. Winner of 20 Grand Slams, 36 Masters 1000 and two Olympic golds (one in singles and one in doubles), the King of Clay came close twice before. In 2010, he lost the final to Roger Federer, and in 2013 he was runner-up to Novak Djokovic.

Nadal will be looking to put a disappointing year behind him and it’ll be interesting to see whether he is able to return to top form or whether injuries have finally gotten the better of him.