Rafael Nadal has endured plenty of fitness struggles in recent times, and those years of physical torture came to the fore in yesterday’s defeat to Novak Djokovic.
The 60th iteration of their rivalry, the most prolific in Open Era history, saw the latter run out the comfortable victor, continuing his conquest for Olympic gold.
However, despite losing 6-1, 6-4, Rafael Nadal has given an injury update that could scupper the rest of his plans.
Rafael Nadal provides fresh injury update
Speaking to MARCA just after Nadal admitted that Djokovic was the greatest tennis player of all time, the Spaniard then turned attention inwards.
Left frustrated with his performance and physical level, he can take solace in the fact that later today, the toll will not be so great, as he reunites with Carlos Alcaraz to continue their run in the Olympics doubles.
That is, if he is even fit enough, with his claims to the aforementioned Spanish outlet somewhat worrying.
He revealed: ‘I have been suffering for two years, I have had hip surgery, I have spent a lot of time recovering and now I am feeling better physically. Obviously, if I feel that I am not competitive I will make the decision to leave, but I have played very little to be honest. It is not easy to recover from a hip operation.
‘I had a small negative image five days ago in the long abductor because a fibre jumped but it was a very small injury that I have allowed myself to play
‘I try to do what I can to try to enjoy myself and to give myself the option of being competitive. If I don’t feel like playing anymore I will let you know and that’s it but I will live day by day to choose what I have to do when I have to do it.
‘I’m fine, no problem in that sense. I had a small negative image five days ago in the long abductor because a fiber jumped but it was a very small injury that I have allowed myself to play. It hasn’t been a problem and I am looking forward to playing the doubles.’
Will Rafael Nadal be fit enough for Olympic doubles with Carlos Alcaraz?
The most important portion of his interview for fans of Nadalcaraz is that latter paragraph, notably his simple claim: ‘I’m fine’.
These are the two words that every tennis fan wants to hear, with this all-Spanish doubles pairing one of the most sought-after in recent memory.
The symbolism behind it, almost like the passing of the torch from the 22-time Grand Slam champion nearing the end of his career to the 21-year-old superstar already breaking records, is huge.
And it is for this reason that people are clambering to get one last look at their matches.
With Dutch competition today, and Brazilian or American to come, it will not be easy.
But, if anyone can do it, it’s these two legendary athletes. Nadal has overcome far worse and battled with much more physical turmoil to achieve greater feats in the past.
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