Madrid (REUTERS) - Rafael Nadal will miss a big chunk of the clay season after being ruled out for between four and six weeks with a stress fracture of his rib suffered in Indian Wells.

The Australian Open champion sought treatment during his semi-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz and complained of breathing problems and sharp pain after a straight-sets defeat by Taylor Fritz in the final on Sunday, his first loss of the season.

"Hola todos, quería anunciaros que he vuelto a España y fui enseguida a visitar a mi equipo médico para hacerme las pruebas tras la final de Indian Wells que jugué con molestias.
Al final resulta que tengo una fisura por estrés en una de las costillas y estaré entre 4 y 6 semanas de baja. No son buenas noticias y no me esperaba esto. Estoy hundido y triste porque tras el inicio de temporada que he tenido tan buena.
Llegaba a una parte muy importante del año con muy buenas sensaciones y buenos resultados. Pero bueno, siempre he tenido ese espíritu de lucha y superación y lo que sí haré es tener paciencia y trabajar duro tras mi recuperación. Una vez más agradecer a todos el apoyo."

2022 Indian Wells Masters FINAL Rafael Nadal vs. Taylor Fritz  3-6 6-7(5) 

Rafael Nadal: “I had pain, honestly. I had problems breathing. I don't know if it's something on the rib, I don't know yet. When I'm breathing, when I'm moving it's like a needle all the time inside here. I get dizzy a little bit because it's painful. It's a kind of pain that limits me a lot. It’s not only about pain, I don't feel very well because [it] affects my breathing." 

“[It is] more than [being] sad for the loss, [that is] something that I accepted immediately, and even before the match ended. It's more about that I am suffering a little bit, honestly.”

2022 Indian Wells Masters SF Rafael Nadal bt. Carlos Alcaraz  6-4 4-6 6-3

Next - Taylor Fritz

Rafael Nadal: "I am super happy to be in the final. It means a lot to me, and I'll just keep going."