The blockbuster semi-final showdown between Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios is in serious danger of not happening.
Both players came through their quarter-final matches on Wednesday at The All England Club but concerns have been raised over Nadal’s health. The Spaniard took a medical timeout during the second set for treatment on his abdomen. It is unclear as to how long he has been suffering from the issue but he was seen wearing tape in the area in his previous match on Wednesday.
During his marathon four-hour five-set win over Taylor Fritz, members of Nadal’s own family signaled to him to retire but the stubborn former world No.1 refused to do so. Instead, he produced a gutsy win. Whilst it is admirable for Nadal to fight through the pain, was it the right thing to do?
“I am used to holding pain and playing with problems,” said Nadal who also has a chronic foot problem. “Knowing that, when I feel something like I felt, something is not going the proper way in my abdomen.’
“I had these feelings for a couple of days. Without a doubt, today was the worst day. There Has been an important increase of pain and limitation.”
The frank admission from the 36-year-old places his future at Wimbledon this year in the balance. On Thursday he will undergo a medical scan to establish the extent of the problem. Those results will dictate if he will continue playing in the tournament.
“I can’t give you a clear answer because if I gave you a clear answer and tomorrow another thing happens, I will be a liar,” Nadal replied when asked about the probability of him playing.
‘The decision at the end – all the decisions – are the player’s decision, but at the same time I need to know different opinions and I need to check everything the proper way.’
“More important than winning Wimbledon, is health.” He added.
The root cause of how Nadal got the injury in the first place is not known publicly. Wimbledon is the first grass-court event he has played in three years. However, he denied the possibility of the two being linked in any way.
“The level of tennis, if we put away the problems, the feeling that I am having with the ball with my hand is honestly great. I am feeling myself playing very well,” he said.
“Abdominal (injuries) is not a thing that comes to play on grass. Can happen on any surface.”
The last time Nadal withdrew from an upcoming match was at the 2019 Paris Masters. The last time he has done so at a major was the 2016 French Open.
