Rafael Nadal speaks to the media after reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon following victory over Taylor Fritz.
“They told me to retire from the match. For me it is tough to retire in the middle of a match. It’s not easy even if I had that idea for such a long time [in the match]. But on the other hand, I did it a couple of times in my tennis career. It’s something that I hate to do. So I just keep trying, and that’s it. I wanted to finish. And that’s what I did. I’m proud about the fighting spirit and the way that I managed to be competitive under the conditions.”
“I don’t know. I’m going to have some more tests. It is difficult to know. I am used to have things and I am used to having pain and playing with problems. Let’s see. It’s obvious that this is nothing new. I had these feelings for a couple of days. Without a doubt, this was the worst day. There has been an important increase of pain and limitation. I can’t give you a clear answer because if I gave you a clear answer and then another thing happens, I will be a liar.”
Although we’ll all miss you in the rest of Wimbledon, I applaud you for opting out of playing. I send wishes and prayers for your recovery, whatever that looks like. All the best, Micki
Sorry to see you suffering. Please take good care and stay healthy🙏🏻 Pray you recover soon from your injury. God bless you and your family ❤
I remember the ‘ice bath’ after a 5 setter v Verdasco on Melbourne’s unfriendly surface years ago
Rafa congratulations…only you know what is best for you. You are not stupid. Leave it to your Doctor.
Much love from Melbourne…It is time the media talked about your magnificent tennis game after all these years.
Vamos my darling boy…
Congratulations Rafael you are the most amazing tennis player ever ❤️
Rafa, so so very proud of you!!! What a character, what a sportsman, what a champion!!!
Somehow whenever you play against Fritz you play with some problem. If I’m not mistaken in Indian Wells your foot was bothering you and you had to stop for a while!
Please look after yourself! Hope this abdominal problem is not too bad and you recover well and quickly. Your fighting spirit was incredible!!!
Pray you get better soon.
All the very best of health and fortune for your semi finals!!! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
My Champ – My Hero!!! ❤️
Love you!!
VAMOS
Let’s hope he’s OK for Friday. It would be awful if he couldn’t play.
Congratulations Rafa, what a fight you put up. I really hope for you that your injury is not too serious and that you will be able to play in the semis but your health comes first and you must do what is right for you. Always with you, Vamos x
Rafa had an ab injury during the 2019 Paris Masters. He withdrew on the advice of the on site tournament doctor. I think this is worse than what he had in 2019. I would prefer that he takes care of this problem now and hopefully be ready for New York.
Rafa was in terrible pain at the beginning of the second set. But after the medical break Rafa did not seem to be in obvious pain. His mobility was down as well as the power of his serve.
So whatever Rafa and his team decide will be ok. No shame in retiring; no problem with trying to play unless there is a chance of further injury.
Pray you will retire instead of risking added injury! If you can play without hurting yourself more then play! Whatever you decide do what’s best for you Rafa!❤️
Your fan always!
Susan
Whatever the decision for Friday, you will be supported, Rafael Nadal. We see how much you want to play,
and how you love the challenge. No other player has such an ability to problem solve. We hope the injury has not been aggravated-all the best ahead👍👏🤛💪🍀🎾❤️
The media are evil. Good grief anyone want to congratulate him on the amazing feat he just completed?? My Spanish is horrible but at least the Spanish interview portion seemed better. Congratulations, Rafa. No one has more fighting spirit AND TALENT TO WIN under pain and pressure. You never cease to amaze. GOAT.
I didn’t see this match and I think I’m glad about that. I’d seen the tape on Rafa in previous matches and although I hoped it was nothing too serious, I thought it was very unlikely he could win with an injury. Now it seems the issue has worsened. This feels like 2018, when he had problem after problem.
I’m happy Rafa could play another WC even in the diminished state that it is this year. NK is maybe the last person who I’d want to benefit from a walkover or “win” over a compromised Rafa, but what will be, will be. Most of all I hope Rafa is OK, if not on Friday then soon.
I hope it is not too serious.
Vamos Rafa❤️