Rafael Nadal recovers from the brink to beat Taylor Fritz in a five-set thriller on Centre Court, setting up a semi-final with Nick Kyrgios.
“I honestly enjoy a lot playing these kind of matches in front of you guys. I can’t thank you enough for the support. It’s been a tough afternoon against a great player. Credit to Taylor that he has been doing great all season. Personally for me it was not an easy match at all so it is great to be in the semifinals.
On his injury issues: “The body in general is fine, but in the abdominal something is not going well, being honest. I had to find a way to serve a little bit different. For a lot of moments I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match but the crowd, the energy, thanks for that.”
On 2008 final: “It happened a long time ago but it is impossible to remember that final with Roger and all the most special moments we shared around the world, and on this court we played special matches in our careers. Hard to imagine after that final in 2008 that in 2022 I would be here playing at Wimbledon.”
On Kyrgios: “I hope to be ready to play it. Then Nick is a great player on all the surfaces but especially on grass. He’s having a great grass court season. I need to be at 100 percent to keep having chances.”
Highlights:
Tie-break:
A Superhuman warrior! Wish you all the very best for SF on Friday.You shall definitely Recover till that time.and I can see that you are for Final on Sunday for your 3Rd Wimbledon
Born fighter. Such extraordinary matches in this warrior tennis career so far r worth for researchers to find how he gets such energy inspite of having bodies full of injuries . Must be a super human indeed .
Incredible Rafa! 54 winners with a abdominal injury. Amazing that he adjusted his serve so successfully. Rafa just doesn’t know the meaning of quit. He’ll be very sore when he wakes up tomorrow.
No doubt the extent of the injury will determine whether Rafa takes to the court against Kyrgios, who will surely test out his body.
No words for Rafa, it’s just outstanding❤️
Yes, beyond amazing…..speechless.
I’m absolutely speechless and exhausted. I really thought Rafa was going to retire at different stages of the match but he kept on going. Maybe he is a superhero after all. I just hope he is fit enough to not only play Nick but to thrash him. Best of luck to Cam Norrie too. Please give Novak a hard time. Phew and Vamos.
No drama some of us said. Straight sets! It was not to be. Who was it that said yesterday that it could be the match of the tournament?
Perhaps Rafa shouldn’t play Friday. If he can injure himself more he should really not play.
I don’t know how Rafa did it with a much slower serve. He had trouble with back hands the entire match, especially on the run. He really couldn’t bend to return shots at his feet.
I think Rafa is now 1-0 for ten point tie breakers. It has to be his first one. Taylor Fritz is now 1-1 when Rafa is playing with an injury.
At first I was afraid that it was his foot. An ab injury is actually a good thing from that point of view, I know Rafa wants to play Friday. He’s accomplished the impossible before.
What an outstanding display of “never give up” & can do attitude. Rafa you are truly the ambassador for pro men’s tennis. I watched this match today & all I can say is awesome what a match. Congrats to your great win & all the best to a great competitor Mr. Norrie. Your on the way. Don’t let your next opponent get the way of your mission becoming the 2022 Wimbledon Champion & getting your 22nd Grand slam Title.
I’m still trying to find words. “Amazing” is not sufficient to explain what we all saw today.
Such a tragic end for Nafal what a player and gentleman.. but he will be back