Rafael Nadal facing five months out after undergoing hip operation ...

The 22-time major winner said he was dealt a blow by an initial misdiagnosis of the injury, and that there was no timeframe for his return.

It emerged on Friday that the 37-year-old had been booked in for an operation to remedy the problem.

Nadal’s management team issued a statement on Saturday confirming that the operation had been deemed a success, and that the player would begin his rehab immediately.

The Spaniard's entourage said that a recovery time of five months had been estimated by Nadal’s surgeon.

Such a timeframe means Nadal has no chance of being fit for the final two Grand Slams of the year at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Nadal said last month that he had his eye on a possible appearance at the Davis Cup, and if his recovery goes according to plan he could compete in the team event for Spain in November.

The 2024 season is expected to be Nadal’s final year on tour.

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