Legendary Spanish Tennis player recalled the time when he was diagnosed with incurable Muller-Weiss syndrome early in his career, sharing that he was told that he would never play the sport again.
According to an Indian media outlet, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, who recently bid farewell to his magnificent career after a defeat in the Davis Cup quarter-finals, shared that he spent many days at home ‘crying’ after the diagnosis.
“I got hurt when I was 17, and I was told I would probably never play professional tennis again. I learnt that things can end in an instant. It's not just a tiny crack in my foot, it's a disease. There's no cure, only management. Mueller-Weiss syndrome,” Nadal told The Players’ Tribune.
“What does that even mean? You go from the greatest joy to waking up the next morning not being able to walk. I spent many days at home crying, but it was a great lesson in humility, and I was lucky to have a father, the real influence I've had in my life, who was always so positive. ‘We will find a solution and if we don't, there are other things in life outside of tennis’.
“Hearing those words, I could barely process it, but thank God, after a lot of pain and surgeries and rehabilitation and tears, a solution was found, and for all these years, I was able to fight through it.”
Rafael Nadal further shared that his family noticed a major change in his personality, who described the changes as ‘irritable, distant and dark’.
“I felt as if my life had been cut in half. When my family recall that period, they say I was completely transformed, unrecognizable. At home I’m normally in high spirits, laughing and joking a lot, especially with my sister. I became irritable, distant, dark.”
The 38-year-old further added that because of his resilience and determination he was able to fight through the syndrome.
Notably, the 22 Grand Slam champion is all set to make his first appearance after retirement at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, scheduled from December 18 to 22, 2024.
