"I had a pretty major breakdown, unfortunately" - Rafael Nadal calls for patience as he opens up on when he could return to action

Rafael Nadal has been struggling with injury recently. He hurt his hip flexor during a second-round loss at Melbourne Park to Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in January.

This has led to him withdrawing from the upcoming hardcourt tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami. He has also pulled out of an exhibition tennis match scheduled for Sunday (March 5) in Las Vegas against Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal recently broke his silence to shed light on his status, stating that he has started "rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors" so that he can "come back in the best conditions."

The Spaniard took to social media and said:

"It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back the in the best conditions."

Nadal was at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Thursday to watch his favorite soccer team Real Madrid take on Barcelona in El Clasico, where he spoke about his rehabilitation and recovery, before stating that he was unsure of when he would return to competitive action.

The 36-year-old told Television Espanola (via Marca):

"I'm recovering. In Australia, I had a pretty major breakdown, unfortunately, and it's taking time. I'm doing all the work I can every day to try to recover in the best possible way and then we'll see; day by day."

He added:

"If I do not know [when I will be back in action] how can I say? I don't know. I'll be back when I'm well. You have to have a little patience."

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Rafael Nadal hopes to return to the USA for North American hardcourt swing

Rafael Nadal hopes to be fit to compete in the North American hardcourt swing.

While fans in the United States of America were left disappointed when Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Sunshine Double, they were given a glimmer of hope by the Spaniard about him taking part in competitions in the country later in the year.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has promised to try to be in the country during the summer for the North American hardcourt swing, which also includes the year's final Major — the US Open.

Taking to social media, the 36-year-old said:

"I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing."