The gravel king’s injury history is known. Nadal has long been open about struggling with the chronic foot pain Mueller-Weiss syndrome. The pain has plagued him both on and off the tennis court for several years. The problems were no exception during the Rolland Garros final against Casper Ruud – although he apparently looked little affected. The 36-year-old – who has long hinted that this may be his last participation in the gravel tournament – revealed after the match that his foot had to be anesthetized before they entered the field in the 15-stroke. – I had no feeling in the foot and had to get an injection on the nerve, so the foot slept, the Spaniard told Eurosport. LOW SHOULDERS: Nadal had good control in large parts of the final against Casper Ruud. Photo: BENOIT TESSIER / Reuters Played with injections According to him, there is no treatment for the pain. Before Sunday’s final, Nadal stated that “he would rather lose the match and get a new foot”. – I would be happy with my life with a new foot. Winning is beautiful, but life is much more important than a title. Especially after the career I have had, said the tennis player according to Marca. Nadal entered the press conference to applause for the 14th time in his career. It is noticeable that he feels at home in Paris. He is the only one of the players who always supplies himself with the water that is on the podium. And after putting them down – with the logo pointing towards the cameras – he was ready to talk about what has bothered him the most in recent months. The veteran believes he has played under “extreme conditions” in the last two weeks. – I have played with injections in the nerves for the foot to sleep. Therefore, I was able to play for two weeks. I have no feelings in the foot, because the doctor put anesthetic injections in the nerves. But at the same time, there is a greater risk associated with it. It is easier to step over when you lack emotion, the Spaniard told the press after the achievement. CHEERS: The 36-year-old was finally able to cheer for his 22nd Grand Slam title. Photo: Christophe Ena / AP Furthermore, he stated that they will try new treatment in the coming weeks, and will continue as long as it works. If it does not work, assessments will be made when they know more. – I do not want to talk about how many injections I took. I had to take a lot of painkillers as well, but before each match I had to take a couple of injections as well. – Was in the back of my mind At the press conference after the match, Ruud said that he is well acquainted with the injury history of his teacher. – I had in mind that he is 36 years old and getting older, as everyone does. I would rather meet him now than when he was 22 years old. But that’s just part of the game. You never know what might happen, the 23-year-old said. SMILE: Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud have known each other for many, but this afternoon’s final was the first time they met in a competitive context. Photo: Michel Euler / AP – Weak point The Snarøya boy praises Nadal, who with the victory took his 14th Roland Garros and 22nd Grand Slam title, for playing so well despite the injury problems. The Spaniard won comfortably with the set numbers 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. – But that he has done so well this week does not surprise me at all. He has his doctor here and everyone on the team made sure he was ready for this final. I did not expect him to have problems with his foot, but it was perhaps in the back of my mind that something could happen and that I should not give up no matter what the position was, Ruud said.
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Nadal reveals unknown drama – played with “sleeping foot” – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
