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Nadal Turns Hand Surgery into a Light Moment for Fans

13 December 2025

Nadal Turns Hand Surgery into a Light Moment for Fans
Nadal stays upbeat after hand surgery as he eyes Jeddah.

Update from Nadal

Rafael Nadal announced on Friday that he recently underwent a hand surgery to address a long-standing issue, and he remains optimistic about a swift return to peak form.

In a lighthearted post on X, the Spaniard joked that he may miss the 2026 Australian Open, turning a setback into a small moment of levity with his fans.

Jeddah and Beyond

Despite the operation, Nadal—the former world No. 1 who retired last year—will travel to Jeddah to attend the Next Gen Finals, scheduled from 17 to 21 December, in his role as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.

At the event, the tennis legend aims to inspire a new generation, while highlighting the energy and progress of tennis in Saudi Arabia on both global and local levels.

According to the ATP site, Nadal said he looks forward to returning to Jeddah and witnessing growth across all levels as part of his mission to spark interest in tennis among kids.

He added that his work with the Saudi Tennis Federation to develop tennis in the Kingdom is crucial, and he is proud to help more children pick up a racket, compete, or simply discover something new they love.

Punchline 1: If humor were a backhand, Nadal just aced the serve.

Punchline 2: Hand surgery? No problem—the king of clay still serves up smiles.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Nadal announce?

He announced a hand surgery to address a long-standing issue and expressed hope for a swift recovery.

What did Nadal post on X?

He joked that he may miss the 2026 Australian Open, adding a touch of humor to a setback.

Where will Nadal be heading next?

He will travel to Jeddah for the Next Gen Finals (17-21 December) as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.

What is Nadal's goal with this involvement?

To inspire the next generation and help develop tennis in Saudi Arabia and around the world.