Rafael Nadal Has Patella Tear; Will Not Play for Two Months

According to a statement released on his website, World No. 3 Rafael Nadal has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the patella tendon at the distal pole of the patella in his left knee, and will not play tennis for at least two months.

The full statement:

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal will not play in the next 2 months and will stop to rest and recover his knee. Among other things he won’t be able to be at the disposal of the Spanish Davis Cup captain for the semifinals tie against the USA.

Rafa has partial tear of the patella tendon at the distal pole of the patella plus an inflammation of the Hoffa’s fat pad of his left knee.

Since the diagnosis of that tear, Rafa has been receiving medical treatment consisting on specific medication, physical therapy and a progressive program of
rehabilitation and muscular potentiation.

For Rafa Nadal, “I have missed the Olympics and the US Open in the last few weeks, two of the most important tournaments of the year and that I really wanted to play. I really want to be back competing and enjoying the tennis tour, but I have many years in front of me and my knee needs some rest. I will be back when I have no pain and able to compete with guarantee.”

“I feel better after the meeting with my doctors and happy knowing that the evolution of the past weeks has been positive and surgery has been avoided. I will continue to work with the plan my doctors have established to be able to compete as soon as possible in the right conditions.”

“I would also like to thanks all for the support I am receiving these days.”

The statement also says that Nadal’s doctor, Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, will hold a Press Conference at the Real Club de Tennis de Barcelona on September to explain the details of the injury.