Rafael Nadal Undergoes Surgery to Treat Pain and Gain Mobility in Right Hand
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has undergone surgery to alleviate pain and restore mobility in his right hand, the 22-time Grand Slam champion announced on Friday, December 12, 2025. The procedure, which aimed to relieve pain and restore mobility in the joint at the base of his right thumb, was performed at a private health clinic in Barcelona, Spain.
Nadal, who plays left-handed, revealed that he had been dealing with the issue “for a long time” in an X post, accompanied by a photo of himself with his right arm bandaged and in a sling. The 39-year-old joked that he “won’t be able to play the Australian Open,” the first major of next year, due to the surgery. According to a statement from Nadal’s representative, the operation was necessary to treat the lingering issue and improve his overall quality of life.
Background and Career
Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, retired from professional tennis in November 2024. Despite his successful career, Nadal struggled with various injuries, which ultimately led to his decision to retire. In May, Nadal mentioned that he hadn’t touched a racket in six months following his last professional match, a loss with Spain at the Davis Cup 13 months ago. However, last month, a video surfaced of him hitting balls with pro player Alexandra Eala at Nadal’s academy on his home island of Mallorca, sparking speculation about a potential return to the sport.
It’s worth noting that Nadal’s decision to undergo surgery is not surprising, given his history of injuries and his desire to maintain an active lifestyle. As a tennis great, Nadal has always prioritized his health and well-being, and this latest development is a testament to his commitment to taking care of his body. According to ESPN, Nadal’s surgery is a common procedure for treating joint pain and mobility issues, and the recovery time is expected to be several weeks.
Recovery and Future Plans
While Nadal’s surgery may have ruled him out of the Australian Open, it’s unclear what his future plans are regarding tennis. Although he has retired from professional tennis, Nadal has remained involved in the sport through his academy and various charitable initiatives. As he recovers from his surgery, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if Nadal will make a return to the court, even if it’s just for exhibition matches or coaching. For now, Nadal’s focus is on his recovery, and his fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his progress.
As a legendary figure in the tennis world, Nadal’s health and well-being are of great interest to his fans and the sports community at large. This latest development serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and taking proactive steps to address any issues that may arise. With his surgery behind him, Nadal can now focus on his recovery and look forward to a future filled with possibilities, both on and off the court.
