Shanghai – Rafael Nadal has been diagnosed with appendicitis but has decided to play the Shanghai Masters this week after receiving antibiotics at the hospital to treat the inflammation.
The second-ranked Nadal began feeling pain in his abdomen late Saturday, and the next day went to the hospital where the doctors confirmed he had the early stages of appendicitis.
Nadal said he chose to try treatment with antibiotics rather than undergo surgery right away. After a few days, he said he felt well enough to begin hitting again.
He said the risk of his condition getting worse after three days of steady improvement “is always very, very low.”
The 14-time major winner said, “I am not going to go for surgery. That's great news for me today. That's why I'm here practicing for 45 minutes, and trying to play tomorrow.” – Sapa-AP