Rafael Nadal undergoes arthroscopy surgery on his birthday, with an expected recovery time of five months

The procedure "went well," per Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim, and the earliest we could see Rafa back in action appears to be the 2024 season.

By TENNIS.comPublished June 03, 2023

Nadal Missing Roland Garros For First Time Since 2004 | Tennis Channel Live1:31

TENNIS CHANNEL LIVE: Rafael Nadal missed Roland Garros for the first time since 2004

When Rafael Nadal held a news conference last month to announce his withdrawal from Roland Garros, he also revealed that the 2024 season is being targeted as a farewell of sorts to the sport and places he loves.

On Saturday—on his 37th birthday—Nadal made two more announcements: that arthroscopy surgery was on the left psoas tendon went well, and that recovery would last around five months, "if all goes well."

The news all but ensures that the earliest we'll see Rafa back on tour is, indeed, 2024.

Nadal also revealed on social media that "an old injury to the labrum of my left hip was also regularized, which will surely help the better evolution of the tendon."

Iniciaré la rehabilitación funcional progresiva inmediatamente y el proceso de recuperación normal me dicen que es de 5 meses, si todo va bien.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 3, 2023

Told @RafaelNadal surgery “went well.” Performed in Barcelona, chiefly by Marc Philippon of Steadman Clinic. Nadal Stitched up, heading home to celebrate 37 bday ; was given expected recovery time of five months.
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) June 3, 2023

Once again thank you for all the support you have shown me and that you show me every day. Today also on my birthday. Not in the desired or dreamed place, although THANK YOU anyway @RafaelNadal

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