Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday that he has to withdraw from the Wimbledon tournament. He tore a muscle in his abdomen in Wednesday’s match against Taylor Fritz.
He will be out for three to four weeks. However, he should be back in time for the Montreal tournament.
“This decision comes late because I wanted to think carefully about the situation,” confirmed Rafael Nadal. I just don’t think it was logical to play a match under those conditions.
“If I had continued playing, the injury could have worsened. I’m sad.”
In the semifinals on Friday he had to compete with Australian Nick Kyrgios for the tenth time in his career. He trained at the Wimbledon training ground on Thursday but the pain was too bad.
“I don’t think I can win two games under these circumstances,” he said. I cannot serve. It’s not just about speed. I am unable to perform normal movement.
“I don’t want to go on the pitch and not be able to play at the level to achieve my goals.”
That means Nick Kyrgios goes straight to the final. He meets the winner of the duel between Novak Djokovic and Cameron Norrie. Everything must happen on Friday at 8:30 a.m. Quebec time.
Kyrgios is the first player since Mark Philippoussis in 2003 to reach the Wimbledon final despite not being seeded.
Kyrgios in hot water
Speaking of which, Kyrgios is still swimming in choppy waters. He is due to appear in court next month on charges of domestic violence.
The Australian didn’t seem too shaken by the situation as he advanced to the semi-finals with a three-set win over Chile’s Cristian Garin.
“I would have a lot to say and I would like to be able to tell my side of the story,” said Kyrgios. My lawyers advised me not to say anything. I will not comment at this time.”