Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, and his former Davis Cup team-mate, Feliciano Lopez, have both shared encouraging news about his recovery post-surgery.
Rafael Nadal's hopes of a return to action sooner rather than later were dealt a decisive blow on Saturday as news broke that he faces another five months on the sidelines.
Rafael Nadal underwent surgical intervention on Friday for the injured left hip flexor that forced him to sit out the French Open.
As Novak Djokovic sets his sights on furthering his legacy at Roland Garros, the absence of his great rival Rafael Nadal from the French Open draw has left him with mixed emotions.
Tennis great John McEnroe believes the era of the Big Three is finally coming to an end.
Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will not be fit in time to play at the French Open, and is eyeing retirement at the end of next year.