Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Wimbledon ahead of his semi-final against Nick Kyrgios. After a light practice for 45 minutes on site at 1:30pm today, the 22-times grand slam champion informed All England Club officials later in the afternoon that he will not be fit enough to play on Centre Court tomorrow because of a 7mm abdominal tear.
“I have to pull out of the tournament. As everybody saw yesterday I have been suffering with pain in the abdominal [area]. That’s confirmed. I have a tear in the muscle. I feel very sad to say that.”
“I make my decision because I believe I can’t win two matches under these circumstances. I can’t serve, not only not at the right speed, but it’s [that] I can’t do the normal movement to serve.
“I have to say that to imagine myself winning two matches and for respect to myself in some way I don’t want to go out there and not be competitive enough to play at the level I need to play to achieve my goal, and with a big chance of making things worse. A couple of weeks ago I saw my career [future] very difficult. Things now are better in that way without a doubt. But as I always said the most important thing is happiness over any title.
“I can’t risk that much and stay two-three months out of competition because that would be tough for me. If that happens, it happens, but not because I wasn’t doing things properly.”
Source: The Times
Oh,Rafa! I’m wondering where would you be if your body wouldn’t have so many problems?! If you are where you are it’s amazing and a hall world loves you; you should see the happiness on the spectators when you play and when you win! Get well and get back to us
So very sad for Rafa but I think he has made the right decision, his health and happiness must always come first. Rest and heal well Rafa and we look forward to seeing you soon, unfortunately Wimbledon has now finished for me but you have played amazing tennis throughout 💕
My heart aches for you as I know how much you must be hurting, but you always put on a brave front. As all your fans are saying “you made the right decision – your body comes first. God bless you Rafa. You have proved you are the GOAT in Tennis – end of story! We now look forward to your quick n full recovery p. I do hope I am still alive to see you win Wimbledon 2023. Fond love n blessings from your self adopted Aussie Abuelah Nan Shirley. 😊🏆🏆🏆🏆
Shirley I’m trying to find out if you’re the one who broke her arm quite a few years back… I know a few of the fans here are in their 80s even one in her 90s still loving tennis & Rafa!
Bummer! But this was in the cards. I hope and do believe that Rafa will return back stronger for the US Open swing.
As for the eventual winner of Wimbledon, I can only hope that someone upsets ‘the roof guy.’ My interest is over.
Wimbledon 2022 was a great ride while it lasted Rafans. See you all again soon and stay safe!
Good for you. RAFA!!!! Thank you for seeing what is best for you and doing it. It takes more courage to say the truth and abide by it than to continue wounded!!!We all know that titles are important but health wins always!!!!!!!! VAMOS TOWARD HEALTH!!!!!!
Just read this quote from Rafa’s press conference:
“Usually it takes 3-4 weeks to recover from these type of injuries, which would allow me to keep the planned schedule. In a week, I should be able to practice from the baseline, without serving.”
So despite this injury setback, it looks like he will be able to play the North America hard court season and the US Open, so that is good news.
Sorry to hear this, but I think Rafa made the right decision. He wouldn’t have been able to play the way he wanted to play and probably would have found it difficult to be competitive against Kyrios and Djokovic (who are both tougher opponents than Taylor Fritz). Rafa has still had an unbelievable year and will likely still be able to play at the US Open in good health. As he says health is more important than trophies and I would have hated to see himself worsen the injury by continuing to play in the tournament.
I am so bumbed…: ( I’m sure Rafa is even more
bumbed. If you were 100%, the trophy would of been yours! Love, and heal up.
It’s confirmed.by Rafa himself. He just held a press conference in which he said he had to withdraw because he couldn’t serve and move well enough to be competitive.
Disappointment etched over his face, he went on to say that happiness is important and he has to respect himself knowing he can’t win two matches with the way his body is and if he tried to, it would make the injury worse.
I guess RNF will provide the transcript, but I feel so sad for Rafa, knowing he had a very real chance to win the title. Look after your body now Rafa. You need to be in a fit shape to enjoy life.
Sorry for Nadal, but I wish he hadn’t pushed to beat Fritz. Would have been nice for Nadal to have given him the opportunity to move forward and play.
I’m sorry Janet but I have to disagree. Rafa, like any true professional tennis player, always plays every match to win and he did just that yesterday, in a lot of pain. The best competitors never ‘allow’ themselves to be beaten. It is just not in their DNA. If Fritz couldn’t beat an injured Rafa he did not deserve to go through. Fritz is young. He will have plenty of other opportunities to show what he is capable of on the tennis court. He doesn’t need to be ‘gifted’ wins.
well said!
I agree 100%. Rafa will bounce back very soon as long as looks are his health.
I agree 100 percent
I don’t think so. It wouldn’t have been profesional.
That’s exactly how I feel Jacob… I feel that Rafa should have retired when his sister and father told him to. At one point Rafa had his head in his hands and it looked like he was crying… it really was a disservice to Taylor to continue when he knew that he wouldn’t be able to finish two more matches. For the first time in15 years of being an ardent Rafa fan I feel very disappointed in his decision. Now I hope NK beats ND … those two deserve each other!
Boyyomlone Rafa played and won and I was pleased for that . In dome ways , Nadal’s slower service worked to his advantage as he had more time to ready for Fritz’s return of serve .
Fritz was unable to take full advantage of Rafa’s abdominal injury and didn’t deserve the victory . The Indian Wells victory for Fritz while notable over Rafa was on account of Rafa’s torn muscle in his rob cage . Rafa does not give up unless there is concern for his wellbeing .
It’s a competition, Janet, not a charity.
Se livrou de ter que jogar com o insuportável do Kyrgios.
Always honour your body Rafa!
I am very sad for Rafa but so relieved that he has withdrawn. No point in risking further injury tomorrow only to be beaten because he can’t serve at anything like full strength. He has made the right decision.
So sad for him, and also for everyone with tickets for tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll put some Legends matches or something on Centre after Djokovic v Norrie.
The biggest opponet from Rafa is always his body🥲🥲🥲
Take rest and get well soon champ❤️❤️
Is this confirmed i an waiting for otter newsoutlets
Yes. Just watched his live press conference
So sad for him but if he can’t play he can’t play. Take rest and heal Rafa.
You are forever a champion, Rafael Nadal.🙏🍀🎾❤️
So sad for Rafa but it’s obviously a priority to rest and get well again. Bless him.
Rafa knows Rafa Best.
Rest up and enjoy your time off!
Going to miss you in the finals, but your health comes first.
xoxox
So sorry get well
Very sad but Rafa your health is very important! Next time!
I can’t stand Nick K. But a part of me wants him to beat Novak should Novak make the final. Keep him down at 20 grand slams!!! So sad for Rafa.
Exactly my thought.