RAFA NADAL intends to play a potentially explosive Wimbledon semi-final with Nick Kyrgios – despite a seven-millimetre tear in his abdominal muscle.
Overzealous security staff stopped reporters, camera crews and photographers from accessing the far edge of Aorangi Park today as the Spaniard practiced for an hour.
Nadal, 36, was given privacy by the All England Club to train but it was a gentle workout before the clash with the maverick arch-nemesis Australian on Friday.
The backhands and forehands were fine but he did not serve at full speed due to the abs issue that is threatening to ruin his Calendar Slam bid.
The 22-time Slam champion – who has won this year's Australian and French Open titles – exited the area via a backdoor.
But one thing is for sure, he will not be at full tilt as he chases a third Wimbledon crown.
READ MORE IN TENNIS
Ons Jabeur makes HISTORY and faces Rybakina in final, Nadal injury DOUBT
Wimbledon 2022 betting tips, predictions, latest odds and free bets for SW19
What gives this match extra spice is the historical feud between him and Kyrgios.
The Australian labelled two-time Wimbledon champion Nadal “super-salty” in a podcast rant.
They clashed in Mexico in February 2019 when cheeky Kyrgios was accused of “disrespect” by the angry Spaniard after hitting an UNDERARM first serve.
Following that fiery match in Acapulco, Nadal claimed his opponent lacked “respect for the public, the rival and himself”.
Most read in Tennis
WIMBLEDON 2022 Ons Jabeur makes HISTORY, Halep vs Rybakina on NOW, Nadal MAJOR injury doubt
US star Fritz's WAG steals show on Centre Court – and fans all say same thing
Wimbledon warns players to cut down on food after coach pockets 27 yoghurts
Nadal accused of LYING about injury in epic Wimbledon win over Fritz by Fognini
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Kyrgios, 27, then responded with an Instagram message which said: “I can smell the blood when I play this dude.”
In 2014 the Aussie, then 19 years old, shocked Nadal in four sets in the last 16 at SW19 but despite that breakthrough, he has never quite lived up to his promise in singles combat until now.
Fireworks will be expected, especially if Kyrgios smells blood once more with Nadal’s injury woes.
But Spaniard David Ferrer – who lost to Nadal in the 2013 French Open final – believes his close pal will NOT be affected by any crazy antics.
The Davis Cup tournament director told SunSport: “Rafa has a lot of experience in these type of matches.
“He has played before against Nick Kyrgios. Rafa knows that Nick is a different player on the court.
Read More on The Sun
Mum shares epic car hack for picnics but everyone is spotting the same issue
We were sick of renting so bought a mobile home for £4K & live mortgage free
“Rafa will be focused on himself. He is the best tennis player ever in terms of his mentality, the strongest on the Tour.
“If Rafa loses then it is because Kyrgios plays amazing, great tennis, not because of other stuff.”
Source: Read Full Article
