Rafael Nadal won his second major of the year- and the 22nd of his illustrious career- at the French Open, though the victory came at a price. The Spaniard, who has Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, a condition that causes chronic pain in his foot, had a flare-up before the tourney at Roland Garros, which led to his playing in frequent pain throughout his Grand Slam quest. The injury made people question whether he would play at Wimbledon, an event he hasn't participated in in three years. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Nadal made a huge announcement, per ESPN.
“[The medical treatment] done in Barcelona is not a 100% immediate thing, but changes are noticeable,” Nadal said. “I have noticed them, strange sensations, my joint pain has decreased.
“My intention is to play Wimbledon, to travel to London on Monday.”
Nadal said that is his “intention is to play Wimbledon.” The world no. 4 received injections in his foot, which allowed him to take the court in the French Open.
However, Nadal admitted such measures were temporary, revealing plans to undergo a procedure, called radiofrequency nerve ablation, indicating that it would determine his status for Wimbledon, which begins on June 27.
Wimbledon was canceled in 2020 due to the global pandemic, then Nadal withdrew from the tournament and the Tokyo Olympics the following year due to his health.
Last seen at the All-England Club in 2019, Nadal renewed a historic rivalry with Roger Federer, who defeated him in the semifinal.
Now tennis fans will get to watch Nadal in his Wimbledon whites as he attempts to extend his Grand Slam lead over Novak Djokovic and Federer.