Rafael Nadal (Photo : NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal revealed he is gradually recovering from his injury just in time for the 2016 Rio Olympics, but the King of Clay admitted he won't be one of the favorites to win at the quadrennial event.
Nadal has claimed his recovery from a left wrist injury suffered at Roland Garros is going "day by day," clouding his chances of returning at the Rogers Cup in Toronto on July 25. But the 30-year-old is optimistic he will participate at the Rio Olympics in Brazil, although Nadal feels he would not be considered to win the men's singles category of the event.
"I don't know if I will play in Toronto yet. I'm going day by day. Being ready is a priority," Nadal said, reports Tennis World USA.
"In Rio, I won't be the favourite in singles after my injury break. Anyway, I am very willing to practice and compete, and skipping Olympics is not in my mind."
Nadal's doctor has insisted the 14-time Grand Slam winner is on a "very good path" towards recovery. But Nadal's lack of competitive matches for more than a month may raise concerns over his tennis form, especially coming off an injury that halted his potential comeback to being "vintage Rafa."
Nadal will have a chance to test his game when he competes at the ATP 1000 Masters in Canada, but it is becoming unlikely the Mallorcan would participate in the event. According to Toni, his uncle and long-time coach, the world No. 4 could be read for the Rogers Cup, but won't risk of any situation that may compromise his participation at the Olympic Games.
"Playing Toronto is in our plans, but if there's even a 1% risk we will not play. The tests that were done in Barcelona highlighted how the injury has been treated. Now we need to get used to the practice sessions and then to the competition again," Toni told ttdeporte.com.
It would have been an epic return for Nadal if he can guarantee competing at the Rogers Cup, where career rivals Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are also scheduled to play. But with Rio seemingly Nadal's priority, fans may have to wait until next month before they witness the Spaniard playing on the tennis court again.
