Nadal, Monfils, Murray… these players marked by pain

When Rafael Nadal, Gaël Monfils, or Andy Murray collapse after an epic point, we applaud their fighting spirit. But we often forget that off-camera, they wage a constant battle against their own bodies. Blisters, tendonitis, and micro-traumas are part of their daily lives.

Rafael Nadal perhaps best embodies this struggle. In his 22-year career, the Spaniard has accumulated more than 30 documented injuries. His knees, abdominal muscles, wrists, and feet have frequently suffered. Yet, it is his hands that best illustrate the reality: meticulously bandaged before each match, they bear witness to deep calluses, burns, and recurring blisters. His ritual is not a superstition, but a necessity to be able to hold his racket with topspin.

Gaël Monfils, the showman of the circuit, has also adopted the systematic use of strapping. His fingers are covered with adhesive strips that protect the skin and support the joints. His spectacular game, his dives, and his powerful shots put his hands under considerable strain. At 38, and a winner in Auckland in 2025, the Frenchman proves that meticulous management of his body can prolong a career, but at the cost of constant care.

Andy Murray has experienced similar situations. We remember the 2013 Australian Open final, where his bandaged feet were numbed to prevent blisters. At Roland Garros, he had to deal with plantar pain and the need for constant strapping. For him too, each return to training required a specific protocol for preparing his feet and hands.

These stories show that injury-related withdrawal is just the tip of the iceberg. Many players adapt their grip to avoid pain, which can lead to a cascade of injuries: wrist tendinitis, shoulder pain, tennis elbow. Strapping and bandages are temporary solutions; only a comprehensive approach to prevention and innovation will reduce the suffering of elite athletes.