Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal set to go ahead with semi-final against Nick Kyrgios despite abdominal injury concern
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Published 07/07/2022 at 16:02 GMT
Rafa Nadal has decided he wants to go ahead with his Wimbledon semi-final match with Nick Kyrgios, despite suffering an abdominal injury midway through his quarter-final tie. He came from behind to beat Taylor Fritz 3-6 7-5 3-6 7-5 7-6 to book his spot in the final four, and is reportedly fit enough to face Kyrgios on Friday afternoon, despite details of his injury emerging.
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Rafa Nadal is set to play through the pain barrier when he faces Nick Kyrgios on Friday afternoon in the semi-final of the Wimbledon Championships.
The 36-year-old suffered a 7mm abdominal tear halfway through the first set in his semi-final victory over Taylor Fritz, and was a heavy doubt for his last four clash with Kyrgios.
Marca have confirmed that Nadal is ready to play for a spot in the final, as he looks to close in on a 2022 Surface Slam and Channel Slam, and began preparations for the mouth-watering showdown in a training session on Thursday.
The Spaniard confirmed his family in attendance during Wednesday’s quarter-final pleaded with him to pull out of the match, as he was visibly in pain and needed off-court treatment, but he defied their wishes and continued to mount a comeback from behind to book his place in the semi-final.
Talking on-court after his five-set victory over Fritz, Nadal was hopeful he’ll be ready for the semi-final crunch with Kyrgios, and was full of praise for his opponent.
"I hope to be ready to play, that's the first thing," Nadal said. "Nick is a great player in all players, but especially here in grass.
"I'll need to be at 100 percent to have the best chance."
If he can overcome a tricky test in Kyrgios, he’ll face either British No. 1 Cameron Norrie or world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.
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Watch daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm on Eurosport 2 and discovery+ from June 27, as well as the two singles finals live on July 9 and 10.
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