“
Like a needle that you press
”: Rafael Nadal, beaten for the first time this year in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 final by American Taylor Fritz, described the pain on the left side of the top of the body, which handicapped him on Sunday.
“
I was in pain.
I have trouble breathing.
I don't know if it's at the level of the ribs... When I breathe, when I move, it's like pressing a needle.
And it's not just the pain, it affects my breathing
, ”explained the 35-year-old Spaniard at a press conference.
“
It happened last night, just at the end of the match (against his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, in the semi-final).
So to continue today (Sunday)... When I try to breathe, it's painful and it's very uncomfortable.
It's obvious that I wasn't able to do normal things today.
I tried, but I lost against a great player
, ”continued Nadal between unusual disarray and strict fair play.
The Majorcan, who was seeking a fourth title at Indian Wells, called on the physiotherapist twice in this final.
The first time he went to the locker room for five minutes.
“
I did my best.
But it was not my day.
It happens.
It was hard to play a final like this.
I tried until the end.
I'm sad because I couldn't really fight.
It's already hard to feel that in normal times but in the final it's very ugly
, "said Nadal, who had just conceded his first defeat in 21 matches in 2022.
He remained on three titles won in a row, including the Australian Open at the end of January, which allowed him to become the record holder for the number of Grand Slams won (21).
All after being absent from the courts for more than four months last year, due to a left foot injury that required surgery.
“
Of course, the last two months have been incredible, unforgettable.
I'm enjoying things I never thought I'd be able to experience again.
But now is the time to try to solve this problem as soon as possible, to start well on clay.
I hope to be ready
”, said the one who will aim for a 14th coronation at Roland-Garros in June.
"
What worries me is what will happen, what I have to do to recover and how long it will take
," he concluded.