Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage; Don Arnold/WireImage
Nick Kyrgiosis thinking ofRafael Nadal.
The 27-year-old Australian tennis pro, who currently ranks 40th in the world on theATP Tour, was set to meet Nadal, ranked world fourth, in the Wimbledon men’s singles semi-finals match Friday, until the 36-year-old athlete announced Thursday that he wouldwithdraw from the tournament after tearing an abdominal muscle.
“Different players, different personalities,” Kyrgios wrote onInstagram, apparently referencing hisown controversial on-court behaviorfollowing Nadal’s unexpected exit from the elite tournament. “@Rafaelnadal I hope your recovery goes well and we all hope to see you healthy soon 🗣🙏🏽 till next time….”
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Nadalreturned to Wimbledon for the first time in three yearsafter winning the French Open in June. Though the Spanish tennis legend won his first five matches on the road to the semi-finals, he was only able to compete in the tournament after undergoing a procedure to alleviate an ongoing condition causing pain in his foot, according toSky Sports.
At the time, Nadal said he would not compete at Wimbledon if the procedure were unsuccessful. In a Thursday press conference, the star said that hisabdominal muscle tearwould only grow worse if he continued on in the competition.
“I made my decision because I believe I can’t win two matches under these circumstances,” he explained. “I can’t do my normal movement to serve.”
Nadal added that it would likely take three to four weeks to recover from the injury. Prior to his announcement, theBBCreported that Nadal was suffering from a 7-millimeter tear in his abdominals.
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Despite the setback, the 22-time Grand Slam champ practiced for around 45 minutes on Thursday, according toESPN. His serves appeared to be at a “vastly reduced speed,” according to the outlet.
Nadal powered through the injury for an epic victory against Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, winning the back-and-forth contest 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6. However, he wore tape over his abdomen and had to get additional treatment during the five-set match.
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Prior to the injury, Nadal was eyeing a third win at Wimbledon and a 23rd Grand Slam title, which would extend his ownworld record. As the winner of this year’s Australian and French Opens, he also had the chance to become the 2022 Grand Slam champion if he were to win at Wimbledon and then at the U.S. Open in September.
Should Djokovic emerge victorious in his semi-final match Friday, the Wimbledon final may mark a tense meeting. Kygrios and Djokovictraded words through the medialast winter, with Kygrios calling Djokovic a “tool” for asking the Australian Open to ease quarantine restrictions for players. In response, Djokovic told reporters he didn’t have “much respect” for Kyrgios off the court.
The men’s singles final is scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m. eastern time.
source: people.com
