It wasn’t long ago that tennis fans were taken aback when Nadal hinted at his impending retirement.

Due to a longstanding left foot ailment, the 20-time major winner had not played a competitive tennis match since August of last year.

Rafael Nadal health: What is Rafael Nadal’s illness?

The ostensibly severe injury had such an impact on his ability to play that he lost to Lloyd Harris in the round of 16 at the Washington Open.

After missing Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo, his participation in the Australian Open appears to be a bit of a miracle.

Despite only complaining about pain in his left foot last year, the actor claimed on Twitter that he had been in need of medical attention in the area for 16 years.

Many fans were surprised to learn that the star has Muller-Weiss Syndrome, a rare foot condition that is now untreatable.

What is mueller-Weiss syndrome?

Muller-Weiss Syndrome is an extremely unusual and frequently misdiagnosed cause of chronic foot pain, according to the Indian Journal of Musculoskeletal Radiology.

It can also result in foot malformation in some situations.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help to control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease and subsequent osteoarthritis.

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