Nadal all at sea during season-long injury recovery

Rafael Nadal has credited his love of the sea – plus his ultra-posh catamaran motor yacht – for helping him remain sane during the frustration of this year’s injury absence.

The 38-year-old has not played since the Australian Open in January, with any return date from a series of abdominal problems still a closely guarded secret.

 The 22-time Grand Slam champion told sponsor Movistar: “The sea disconnects me a lot, I have the impression that the hours are completely different from those we have on land.”

He expanded the theme: “The sea has always been my escape, even if it was always for three or four days.

“I was able to enjoy it, not be too attached to my cell phone or the television, follow the news, but it didn’t go any further. I tried to disconnect in every way possible. I watched very little tennis.”