Rafael Nadal (Photo : NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are likely to have a better chance of bouncing back from their recent losses than Rafael Nadal, who is trying to fully recover from a left wrist injury.
ESPN's Nic Atkin predicted what would be the foreseeable future of the "Big Four," following their respective campaigns in the past month. Federer and Djokovic are touted to bounce back from their respective losses at Wimbledon, but Nadal, who is still nursing an injury suffered in May, isn't expected to have a remarkable run this summer, mostly because of the Spaniard's latest setback.
"He looked distracted at Wimbledon, but don't be fooled: Djokovic will come back strong, and he will be ready to dominate again," Atkin wrote.
"Both men are out of the Rogers Cup with injuries -- but Nadal's wrist issue must be more of a concern. As Federer showed at Wimbledon, he has been able to put his 2016 niggles behind him and should be good for another run to the last eight at the US Open at least. Historically, Nadal has taken longer to rehab."
Federer had a remarkable run at Wimbledon coming off a back injury, but fell short to competing for an eighth crow at the event after losing to Canada's Milos Raonic in the semifinal round. After skipping the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Federer's next stop will be at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he competes for his first Gold Medal in the men's singles category.
Likewise, Djokovic will also battle for his first Olympic Gold Medal next month, but not after he finishes the Rogers Cup in Toronto, where he competes as the top seed. Djokovic was fresh off a career Grand Slam before his shocking early exit at Wimbledon, spoiling any chances of the Serb completing a sweep or achieving a Golden Slam.
Both Federer and Djokovic seem poised to regain their composure this summer, which could be the opposite of what Nadal hopes for when he returns from his injury.
Nadal has had a rough start to the season before hitting the winning notes at the European clay circuit, where the Spaniard earned back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. The 14-time Grand Slam winner was hoping any of those momentum would continue at Roland Garros, but a left wrist injury forced him to withdraw mid-event and skip Wimbledon.
Nadal return to the tennis scene at the Rio Olympics is all set, but Nadal has repeatedly admitted he may not be 100 percent ready to play at a high level.
"In singles it seems impossible to me being 100% competitive after being out [of competition] for two months. My goal is to arrive to Rio recovered and ready to give my best in every practice. I am recovering even if I am preparing physically and on the tennis court," Nadal said.
Skipping the Rogers Cup should help Nadal regain some of his rhythm, but it may not come in time for his bid for a second Olympic Gold Medal.
