The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal said “something is not going well” with his abdominal injury ahead of his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios, adding that he would need to exert “100 percent” effort.
The Spanish international had to endure pain during his battle against Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals in London. He eventually went off the court during the second set for medical treatment. He returned to triumph 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, and 7-6 (10-4) over the American player.
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Nadal to face Kyrgios with injury
“The body, in general, is fine, of course in the abdominal something is not going well, to be honest,” Nadal said when asked if he was doing well.
“I had to find a way to serve a little bit different and for a lot of moments I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match, but the court, the energy is something else so thanks for that.”
Nadal could be seen wearing a brown bandage on the right side of his abdomen since the start of this year’s Wimbledon. He has been reluctant on releasing many details about his injury. Instead, he said that he enjoyed his injury-ravaged games.
“I honestly enjoy a lot playing these kind of matches in front of you guys. I can’t thank you enough for the support,” Nadal, whose father, Sebastian, and sister, Maria Isabel, waved their arms in the middle of the second set out of concern for him, said.
“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 semi-finals.”
With only one day to recover, Nadal has to prepare to face the Australian Kyrgios in the semi-final on Friday. However, he said he doubted he would be in his best shape.
“First thing, I hope to be ready to play,” he said. “Nick is a great player on all surfaces, but especially here on grass, he’s having a great grass-court season.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, I need to be at 100% to keep having chances, so that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Nadal also said that there was a possibility that he would not play in Friday’s semi, giving Kyrgios a walkover into the final. He said he needed to undergo some tests before being cleared for play.
“I don’t know. I’m going to have some more tests,” Nadal said “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.”
Nadal admitted that his quarter-final with Fritz was rough, saying that he had to endure even more pain.
“Without a doubt, this was the worst day. There has been an important increase of pain and limitation,” Nadal continued.
“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.”
