Rafael Nadal believes that he will be a contender for the gold medal at next month’s Rio Olympics despite being absent from the tour due to injury.
The 14-time grand slam champion hasn’t played a match since his withdrawal from the French Open in May due to a left wrist injury. Nadal first encountered the problem during the Madrid Open before the condition worsen. It is understood that he damaged a tendon in his wrist.
Nadal’s current level of fitness is unclear. He has pulled out of next week’s Toronto Masters after saying that he ‘wasn’t ready’ to play in the Masters tournament. Despite the uncertainty, the Spaniard is remaining confident that he will be ready in time for next month’s Rio Olympics.
“My main goal’s always been to get ready and not do anything that can prevent me from competing at the Olympics.” Nadal was quoted by ttdeporte.com as saying.
“Toronto was important to get ready for Rio, but you can’t force the recovery times.”
Next week’s Rogers Cup has been hampered by a series of high-profile withdrawal from players such as Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Similar to the Spaniard, Wimbledon champion Murray has also set his focus the Olympics as he bids to become the first man to defend an Olympic tennis title. The Brit is currently training in Mallorca at the same venue as Nadal. The two players are yet to practice together, however, Nadal is hoping to start next week.
“I’m not ready yet to provide the level and exigency on court that he’s bringing at the moment, but mid next week I hope to be able to do it. I’m going step by step.” The 30-year-old said about practicing with the world No.2.
Murray's practice in Rafa Nadal Academy
#AndyMurray#VamosRafa pic.twitter.com/0vL2RfMVEP
— Rafa Nadal Morocco (@ReyDelTenis_) July 20, 2016
Troubled by a wrist injury for the second time since 2014, some have expressed concern regarding Nadal’s future career. Those concerns have now been addressed by the man himself, who states that he hopes to continue playing on the tour for ‘the next few years.’
“The most important thing is to recover from the wrist. I want to go on playing tennis in the next few years and being healthy is a priority.” he said.
In Rio Nadal is expected to play in all three disciplines. Besides the singles, he will partner Marc Lopez in the men’s doubles and Garbine Muguruza in the mixed doubles. The world No.4 currently has one medal to his name, a gold from the singles competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
