Rafael Nadal has announced that he will spend four to six weeks out of action due to a stress fracture.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner was in visible discomfort during his Indian Wells Masters final against Taylor Fritz and had to receive treatment on the court during the 3-6 6-7 (5-7) defeat.
Nadal sustained the issue during his semi-final win over compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, and he is now set to sit out the Monte-Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open but should be fit to take part in the French Open in May.
"Hello everyone, I wanted to announce that I have returned to Spain and I immediately went to visit my medical team to do the tests after the Indian Wells final that I played with discomfort," Nadal posted on Twitter.
"As it turns out, I have a stress crack in one of my ribs and will be out for 4-6 weeks. This is not good news and I did not expect this. I am sunk and sad because after the start of the season I have had such a good time.
"I reached a very important part of the year with very good feelings and good results. But hey, I've always had that fighting and overcoming spirit and what I will do is be patient and work hard after my recovery. Once again thank everyone for the support."
Nadal's 20-match winning run came to an end in his final defeat to Fritz in California, and the Spaniard will aim to return in time for the Madrid Open, which begins on April 26.
Ben Knapton
