Injured Nadal expects to be fit in three weeks

Melbourne, January 24: Rafael Nadal expects to be fit to play in Acapulco next month after a scan revealed an inner right hip muscle injury forced the world number one to withdraw from the Australian Open.

The 16-time grand slam champion limped off Rod Laver Arena when he was unable to continue in the fifth set of a gripping quarter-final against Marin Cilic on Tuesday.

There were concerns Nadal could face a lengthy lay-off, but the Spaniard says his schedule should not be affected by an early-season blow.

Nadal has been informed that he should be fully fit in around three weeks and is planning to be on court in the Mexican Open - which starts on February 26.

"The results say I suffer from a grade 1 injury from the psoas iliac of my right leg." the 31-year-old stated on Facebook.

"The injury is not so serious. In the next few days, I'll be resting and perform anti-inflammatory therapy.

"Doctors tell me that in two weeks I can be on track by gradually resuming my workouts.

"The normal recovery time is about three weeks, which in principle does not change anything in my calendar and I will play in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami."

Source: OPTA