"Seeing him like this now makes his achievements this year all the more remarkable" - Tennis fans react to Rafael Nadal using crutches after latest foot treatment

Rafael Nadal has successfully completed the first round of treatment for his chronic foot injury. Days after beating Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 French Open to win his record-extending 22nd Grand Slam, the Spaniard landed in Barcelona to undergo novel medical intervention.

Known as Radiofrequency Ablation, the process aims to use a controlled electric current via minimally invasive injections to deactivate the nerve that is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was spotted using crutches on his way back from treatment.

Tennis fans could not contain their emotions after watching the clip, lamenting that it was painful to see the 36-year-old put himself through such pain to prolong his career. Fans were also of the opinion that seeing the extent of his injuries add even more weight to his achievements this year.

"Seeing him like this now just makes his achievements this year all the more remarkable," one fan tweeted.

"This guy at age 36 just won a Grand Slam title 2 days ago beating the world no.1 & a bunch of young dudes while being in this condition. Also signing autographs in this situation without complaining. What a gem of a person. Truly inspiring," another account wrote.

"Rafa still taking a pen to sign autographs when he's on crutches ... there is not a thing a fan can do to annoy him," one user posted.

"After one of Rafa’s practice outside RG where he exited limping, I was about to ask him if he wanted me to help him walking. It’s when I see this kind of video that I really want to be here for him. He never deserved that," another fan tweeted.

Rafael Nadal's participation in Wimbledon this year remains uncertain

Whether Rafael Nadal will be fit in time for Wimbledon this year remains to be seen

Now that Rafael Nadal has completed the first round of treatment for his foot, it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for the Wimbledon Championships later this month.

The Mallorcan is on the entry list for the grasscourt Major, but might withdraw from the tournament in the coming days. The World No. 4 is a two-time champion at SW19, having won the 2008 and 2010 editions. Nadal has also reached three further finals, falling to Roger Federer twice (2006, 2007) and Novak Djokovic once (2011).

The 22-time Major winner hasn't played at Wimbledon since 2019.