Rafael Nadal paid a price in his Wimbledon quarterfinal victory over Taylor Fritz, as he was forced to withdraw from the tourney with an abdominal tear. That means that Nick Kyrgios will advance to the final by default. It's a devastating development for Nadal, who was looking to win his third straight Grand Slam in 2022. Instead, he'll now have to look towards getting himself healthy. Nadal spoke after the news of his withdrawal, dropping a hint about his US Open availability, per Inside Tennis on Twitter.
Rafa says had issues in ab. for a week but was able to control. Did tests and it is obvious the small thing i had days ago has increased. it will be 3-4 weeks of recovery and that will allow me to do my normal calendar. could play without serving so that is positive. i can prac.
— INSIDE TENNIS (@BillSimons1) July 7, 2022
Nadal said that he has had the abdominal issue for about a week, though he was able to manage it, even changing the way he was serving in the Wimbledon quarterfinal. Tests revealed that the minor injury had become a more serious ailment.
Rafa said that it will be three-to-four weeks of recovery, meaning he will miss the start of the hard-court season. However, that would also mean, as Nadal hinted, that he would be in play for a US Open return. That's what the 22-time major champion means by his “normal calendar.”
The 36-year-old did say that he is able to practice and that he could play without serving. That fortunately means that Nadal shouldn't be out too long.
It's just unfortunate that a tremendous Wimbledon run had to come to an end, especially given that Rafa's appearances at the All-England Club have been few and far between in recent years.
However, Rafael Nadal must listen to his body. Here's hoping he can be ready for the US Open, which begins on August 29.
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