Rafael Nadal played in a handful of events in 2021 after the recurrence of his foot injury during a semi-final match against Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros. Nadal had to pull out of Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics due to the injury. The Spaniard then decided to make a comeback in the Citi Open in Washington but was knocked out of the third round by Lloyd Harris.

The leftie then decided to pull out of the rest of the season as he could not participate in the US Open due to the same injury. Nadal has now received treatment on his leg in Barcelona and he will look to make a fresh start in 2022. As always Nadal will look to dominate the clay season and win his 14th Roland Garros title.

Speaking at an event marking the renewal of the Mutua Madrid Open until 2030, tournament director Feliciano Lopez said, “We hope to see Rafael Nadal in the next edition”. “He is still young and has shown that he can overcome injuries. He will be welcome because he is the most beloved player in the tournament.”

Nadal will aim to make a strong comeback in the next season after recuperating from his injury. Meanwhile, Nadal won the title in Barcelona and Italy in 2021 but he could not go all the way in Madrid, which is his home event. The Spaniard was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal.

On the other hand, Roger Federer had to also pull out of the rest of the season after he revealed that he will need to undergo one more knee surgery. Federer had to go under the knife on two occasions in 2020 and played in French Open as well as in Wimbledon in 2021.

Lopez is hopeful that Federer also recovers for the Madrid Masters and both Nadal and Federer take part in the tournament.

“I hope Federer also recovers because that will mean that we have all the best available for the tournament,” Lopez added.