Nadal's Wimbledon Future Unclear
LONDON--There's great concern this morning at the All England Club that after losing a trio of women's stars on Monday, the top player in the men's field could be lost without swatting another ball.
Rafael Nadal is due to have an MRI today on an ankle injury that nearly caused him to pull out a fourth round match against Juan Martin del Potro on Monday. Wimbledon officials are anxiously awaiting news on Nadal's condition after the world's No. 1 player indicated after the del Potro match that he believed the injury was serious.
(ED NOTE: The Guardian reported this morning that Nadal has been cleared to play in Wednesday's quarterfinals after the MRI reported no major damage).
The injury is to Nadal's left heel and came just before a first set tie-break against del Potro. Nadal said it felt initially like the foot was broken.
"I don't know what the problem is, I will get it checked out. I'm worried for sure," he said. "At one moment at the end of the first set I thought I might have to retire. EDON
"To hit my forehand was very tough. I felt something really strange when it was at 6-5 in the first set when I called to the trainer. I pushed hard with a forehand and I just felt something crush in the back of the foot. I didn't know what went on.
"I changed the position of the foot so I was able to continue but with pain."
It is not the first time injury problems have affected Nadal at Wimbledon - he was unable to defend his 2008 title because of knee problems. Nadal is scheduled to play Mardy Fish of the U.S. in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
There's also the potential of a Nadal-Andy Murray match in the semifinals that Wimbledon observers have been anticipating since the draw came out.
"Let's see what's going on and let's see how the MRI looks. And after, let's see if we have the chance to recover for Wednesday. I don't know," said Nadal.
Damien
Wimbledon makes stars, The stars don't make Wimbledon. Wimbledon will be just fine.
Posted by: Andru | June 28, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Nadal is CHEATER.Plain and simple.This is 7th occasion that he did same thing.Against Soderling when he lost,against Ferrer lost,Murray lost and few weeks ago against Federer on 5-2 for Fed.Every time when player on the other side is hot, he doe's same thing, calls a trainer.That stops opponents rhythm and changes whole game.Even Daren Cahill called that yesterday after the trainer was called before tie-break.Nadal, Djokovic are CHEATERS who are abusing a rule that is made to help players when they get injured.Yesterday Nadal should have been disqualified because of numerous time violations.After the first warning he did it another 12 times.Tennis as sport is becoming a joke like hockey.
Posted by: Braco | June 28, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Nadal is brilliant between his physical breakdowns. Federer, on the other hand, is consistently good while never having physical breakdowns. I'm not sure what's better, to pace oneself for a long haul, or to burn bright for a short time and then burn out.
Posted by: abba | June 28, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Nadal seemed to be injured at inopportune moments for his opponents; and then play flawlessly after the time outs.
Posted by: Don | June 28, 2011 at 10:47 AM