Rafael Nadal entered the Indian Wells tournament with an unbeaten record and a ton of momentum following his victory at the Australian Open. Nadal advanced to the final, where he was lined up to add to his trophy case with a matchup against American Taylor Fritz, who he had faced just once back in 2020, where the Spaniard easily bested Fritz. This time, it was Fritz who emerged victorious in a stunning upset of Nadal, who made sure to praise the 24-year-old for his excellent play. However, Nadal also made a shocking admission on his health during the final, as reported by the ATP Tour's website.

“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,” Nadal said. “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.”

Rafael Nadal said that he had trouble breathing during the Indian Wells final loss to Taylor Fritz. The world no. 3 said that it like a needle in the rib area and that it caused him continuous pain while also limiting him on the court.

Nadal needed a visit from an ATP physiotherapist late in the Indian Wells final loss. The loss to Fritz was the Spanish star's first of the year after he rattled off a career-best 20 wins in a row.

Nadal's health will be a story to monitor with the clay court season around the corner.