Rafael Nadal has admitted that he still has concerns about his left wrist following his first round win over Federico Delbonis at the Olympic Games.
The former world No.1, who carried Spain’s flag during the Rio opening ceremony, dropped his serve only once as he dismissed the Argentine 6-2, 6-1, in exactly 90 minutes. The win in Rio is Nadal’s first in two months. He hasn’t played a match on the tour since the French Open due to damaging a tendon in his wrist.
“In the Olympic Games it is a different feeling to other competitions. I enjoy it a lot and the match with a great crowd.” He said about playing in Brazil.
“I’m very happy with how I started the competition.” Nadal added.
Addressing the media in Rio de Janeiro after his opening win, the world No.5 was visibly frustrated with the bombardment of questions relating to his current injury issues. Candidly speaking about his wrist, the Spaniard admitted that he wouldn’t have returned to the tour if it was for the four-year sporting event.
“The wrist needs more time and if is wasn’t for the Olympics I wouldn’t be here competing because the wrist needs a little more time to be 100%.” Nadal said.
Nadal’s enthusiasm and passion for the Rio event is unsurprising considering his London disappointment. A bout of tendinitis in his knee forced the 30-year-old to withdraw from the 2012 Games. This year is Nadal’s third Olympics after Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, where he won a gold medal in the singles competition.
“There is only one chance every four years.” He said about playing in the Olympics.
“The experience of the Olympic Games is unforgettable. I missed London, so I didn’t want to miss this one. I am enjoying it a lot and I am doing the best that I can do to be ready for action. “
In the second round, Nadal will play Italy’s Andreas Seppi. The world No.74 booked his showdown with the third seed on Saturday after outlasting Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6), in a two-and-a-half-hour marathon.
