Two days after clinching Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal headed to Barcelona on a Tuesday to have his left foot examined by his long-time doctor, Angel Ruiz Cotorro. Fresh from Paris, Nadal began outlining the treatment plan he had prepared in advance. Upon arrival at El Prat airport, he was asked about his options for Wimbledon; he replied that he had already said everything he needed and hinted there was more to share. Wimbledon is scheduled to commence on June 27.
News from Paris had noted Nadal weighing his choices for Wimbledon in light of the numbness in his left foot, a condition he had managed during the French Open. The next step appears to be surgery to reduce the need for anesthesia before each match. The plan involves applying a pulsatile radiofrequency to the affected nerve, a procedure aimed at permanently preserving sensation on the court while a numb foot is under anesthesia for as long as eight hours during matches.
When Nadal touched down at El Prat airport, he stated, “I’m not sure if I’ll be at Wimbledon. I’ve said all I have to say. We’ll see.”
— Sports Four (DeportesCuatro) shared the update on June 7, 2022, via social media, with a clip showing Nadal at the airport.
“If this treatment proves effective and can relieve the sensation permanently, it would solve the problem and allow him to keep competing, which is the current goal. We will proceed step by step and assess the outcomes,” Nadal remarked in Paris. Wimbledon participation would depend on a full technical review and whether London travel would affect the rest of the season. The decision rests on medical guidance, performance considerations, and the broader schedule.
Graduation with Ricky Rubio
Nadal traveled to Barcelona for the medical appointment and then returned to Manacor, where he was set to lead the graduation ceremony for his sixth cohort on Wednesday. The Rafa Nadal Academy, supported by Movistar, has often seen NBA star Pau Gasol, David Ferrer, and other high-profile athletes in attendance for Nadal’s graduations in recent years, reinforcing the academy’s role in nurturing elite talent across sports.