THE LOW DOWN: Nadal's doctor gives injury thumbs up, entertains media at Red Cross event in Madrid

Rafael Nadal's doctor, Angel Ruiz Cotorro, has come to the defense of Rafa's statement yesterday that his injury is not career-threatening. In a statement released today, Dr. Cotorro said,

"After carrying out routine tests, I consider Rafael to be in perfect condition to continue developing his career in the coming years, [...] "I am absolutely certain the said injury will not be a handicap [to his professional activities at the highest level]."

"He picked it up in April 2004. It was a stress fracture in the left foot. Once cured, a specific program was instigated along with his fitness trainer Joan Forcades and physiotherapist Rafael Maymo."

"From a medical point of view, by following the program Rafael has been able to develop his professional career to the highest level winning 23 titles over the last three years."

In other Nadal news, the World No. 2 joined Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillastook today at a Red Cross media event to support their campaign to free the world from malaria at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. Rafa dropped his tennis racquet and showed off his football skills to the media.


(images via Getty)