Rafael Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon Championships 2022 due to injury

The Spaniard was set to play in the semi-final against Nick Kyrgios.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the 2022 Wimbledon Championships due to injury, the latest reports from England confirm. The 22-time Grand Slam winner was in considerable pain during his quarter-final clash against Taylor Fritz of the United States of America. A medical test later indicated that there was a seven-millimetre-long cut in his abdomen muscle. This was causing the player excruciating pain during the exhausting five-setter in the Wimbledon quarter-final. 

"I don't believe I can win two matches in these circumstances. I can't serve," Nadal said during the press conference. This abdominal injury seems to have got the better of the Spaniard, who has now withdrawn from the tournament. Rafael Nadal was already suffering from multiple injury concerns and was unsure of his participation in this year’s Wimbledon. The two-time former Wimbledon winner was close to adding a third trophy to his locker after reaching the semi-final of the Men’s Singles. 

This outcome will give Nick Kyrgios an automatic bye into the final of the tournament. The Australian will play the winner of the other semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Cameron Norrie. That exciting game will take place on Friday.

A sensational journey

Rafael Nadal’s road to the semi-final was tough, considering his injury issues that were only piling up with every contest. He began the tournament by beating Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the first round. Later, he moved further into the draw by defeating the likes of Ricardas Berankis, Lorenzo Sonego, Botic van de Zandschulp and Taylor Fritz. 

The semi-final in particular was taxing as it went on for four hours and 21 minutes. Nadal’s family and friends were seen signalling him to quit during the quarter-final. This was because of the high level of pain he was suffering during the tie. Eventually, he came away the winner by a 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-4) score. 

The 36-year-old was due to practise at 12.30 pm on Thursday but failed to arrive at the scheduled time. He later arrived at the Wimbledon grounds and trained at Aorangi Park for 45 minutes before winding up his session. The signs were not positive by the player during his post-match interview after the quarter-final. Upon being asked about his chances of recovery in order to face Kyrgios, Nadal said, “I don't know. Honestly, I can't give you a clear answer."

There were huge expectations from Rafael Nadal who came to the tournament on the back of winning both the Australian Open and the French Open. Dreams of a ‘calendar slam’ have come to a halt and the Spaniard will aim to recuperate from his injuries in the forthcoming days.

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