PARIS, June 3 (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal's season is all but over after he underwent surgery on a hip muscle which will keep him out of action for an estimated five months, his representative said on Saturday.
The 14-times French Open champion, who has won a men's joint-record 22 majors, has been out of action since January after hurting his hip flexor in his second-round match at the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old Spaniard has said 2024 is likely to be his last year as a professional player.
In March, Nadal fell out of the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time since 2005 and is now 15th.
Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Rafael Nadal's, Rafa, Benito Perez, Barbadillo, Monte, Nadal, Julien Pretot, Ed Osmond
Organizations:
Thomson
Locations:
Madrid, Rome, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Barcelona