Rafael Nadal (Photo : NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni hope things would go well at the 2016 Rio Olympics amid concerns over the King of Clay's condition ahead of the event.
Rafa faces uncertainty over his playing form ahead of the Olympic Games, with the Spaniard still recovering from a left wrist injury that forced him to withdraw at Roland Garros and skip Wimbledon.
Several reports have claimed that Rafa's condition may force him to skip the singles competition at the event, but his uncle and long-time coach Toni is "confident" things would go well for them come the Olympic Games.
"There are doubts about [Rafa's] game and it's normal. These are the usual doubts we've always had after any layoff. When he competes Rafa wants to do well," Toni told Cadena Ser.
"Obviously it won't be easy but I am always confident that things go well. If we are a little bit lucky with the draw and we can go step by step to the best level, things can go well."
After skipping the ongoing Rogers Cup in Toronto to play some competitive tennis, Rafa tested his form practicing with world No. 2 Andy Murray in Majorca. According to Toni, the training session went well for his nephew, who is set to have more practice games against high-level players.
"I think there will be time to measure our chances and see how well Rafa responds to the toughness of the competition. By Saturday, in Rio we will start practicing with high-level players," Toni added.
Prior to being sidelined by the injury, Rafa was playing some of his best tennis in the last few years, winning back-to-back titles at the European clay circuit. He had a great chance pulling off a "La Decima" at Roland Garros before a left wrist injury put him on the sidelines once again.
There is no questioning Rafael's drive to come back to the tennis scene strong, but the 14-time Grand Slam winner may not make it to Rio in full form. Nevertheless, Rafa, who will be Spain's flag-bearer at the quadrennial sporting event, should delight tennis fans around the world by his participation at the Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"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.
