For the first time in his career, Nadal won this year’s Australian and French Opens and is bidding to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar year shot of the year.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the tournament,” a dejected Nadal told reporters at a hastily arranged news conference, less than 24 hours before his semi-final.
“As everyone saw yesterday (in the quarterfinals), I had a stomach ache. I knew something was wrong there. Yes, that was confirmed. I had a muscle tear in my abdomen.
We are sad to see it end this way, @RafaelNadalThank you for another year of unforgettable moments at The Champion… https://t.co/Hlevcxuc6d
– Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) 1657218221000
“I’ve been thinking all day about the decision to make.”
With the Spaniard’s withdrawal, 27-year-old Kyrgios made no secret of becoming the first Australian to reach the men’s singles final at All English clubs are from Mark Philippoussis in 2003.
Nadal’s father and sister urged him to retire mid-match against American Taylor Fritz in Wednesday’s match on Center Court but Nadal ignored pleas from his box and won a deserved victory. attention for four hours and 20 minutes.
He was back on Thursday at the All England Club, hitting forehands and backhands on the training ground at Aorangi Park in the hopes of being able to face Kyrgios.
“If I keep going, the injury will only get worse – it’s saddening me to say ‘Let’s come back stronger,… https://t.co/QnfX6DLoF7
– Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) 1657221429000
Nadal, who won a record 22 men’s Grand Slam titles, said it made no sense to carry on because it was obvious to him that he couldn’t compete.
“Even though I’ve tried so many times throughout my career to keep going through very difficult circumstances, I think it’s clear that if I continue the injury will only get worse and worse,” he said. speak. “I feel very sad to have to say that.
“I made my decision because I believe I can’t win two games in this situation. I can’t serve. Not only can’t I serve at the right speed, but I can’t do it. normal behavior. serve.”
GYM DUO
After Nadal missed a chunk of last season with a foot injury, including the 2021 Wimbledon and US Open, he traveled to the Australian Open earlier in the year after suffering a bout of COVID-19 and with lingering doubts about his fitness.
But despite his poor performance, the 36-year-old continued to lift the championship trophy at Melbourne Park.
He later suffered a stress fracture at Indian Wells but played at Roland Garros and won the title by injecting painkillers before each game.
Nadal only confirmed to attend Wimbledon after radiofrequency treatment eased the pain in his foot.
“As I’ve always said, for me the most important thing is to be happy more than any title, even if everyone knows how hard I worked to be here,” Nadal told the team. reporters at a crowded press conference.
“But I can’t risk that game and stay two, three months out of the competition because that’s going to be a tough thing for me.”
