Rafael Nadal has gone under the knife once again, this time for a long-standing hand problem that's been causing him grief.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner had surgery in Barcelona to tackle severe osteoarthritis affecting the trapeziometacarpal joint in his right hand.
The procedure, known as an arthroplasty, was designed to ease his pain and get the joint moving properly again.
Dr Alex Lluch performed the operation at Teknon Medical Centre, with Nadal's personal physician Angel Ruiz-Cotorro and Dr Vilaro overseeing proceedings.
Rafael Nadal has undergone surgery a year to fix a chronic hand problem
|It's yet another chapter in what's been a career defined by battling through physical setbacks.
The 39-year-old couldn't resist having a bit of fun about his latest setback on social media.
"Looks like I won't be able to play the @AustralianOpen 2026 I had to undergo hand surgery because of an issue I'd been dealing with for a long time, but I hope to be fine soon!" he tweeted.
It's a classic Nadal moment – finding humour even when facing another medical procedure.
Meanwhile, his old rival Roger Federer will be heading Down Under next month for the Australian Open's first-ever Opening Ceremony, where he's lined up to play an exhibition alongside Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.
Rafael Nadal retired in November 2024
|GETTY
The Spanish legend actually got back on court recently, marking a year since he called time on his playing career at the Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal hit some balls with rising star Alexandra Eala at his academy in Mallorca, sharing footage of their session online.
"One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court! It was great to practice with you @AlexEala05 ! Next time I will be stronger," he wrote.
Eala, who came through the Rafa Nadal Academy, has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season on the WTA Tour and currently sits at world No. 52.
The news of Nadal's operation comes just days before he's due to appear at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, where he serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
"Coming back to Jeddah for the Next Gen ATP Finals is something I am looking forward to. I've been given the warmest of welcomes in Saudi Arabia and I feel there is a real energy for tennis," Nadal said.
The Spaniard has made clear his passion for nurturing young talent, adding: "As I have been saying, it's my goal to help inspire the next generation, in Saudi Arabia and around the world."