Rafael Nadal remains positive he could play at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games amid his latest setback that prevented him to continue competing at the French Open in Paris, according to Toni Nadal.
Toni, Rafa's long-time coach and uncle, admitted his nephew would be sad to skip the Rio Olympics in August, but the 55-year-old coach revealed the King of Clay is optimistic about participating at the grandest sporting event in the world.
"Rafa was very sad when he had to withdraw from 2012 London Olympics, he does not want the same to happen for Rio, also because he has been nominated as flagbearer," Toni told in an interview with Onda Cero as translated by Tennis World USA.
"This injury makes things complicated after Rafa had gained good feelings, but he remains positive. He had recovered his level, was enjoying himself and this was very positive."
Nadal, who was looking for his 10th French Open title at Roland Garros, was on the verge of another remarkable run, cruising past his opponents in the first three rounds of the tournament before pulling out due to a left wrist injury.
The 30-year-old Spaniard, after a few days, subsequently confirmed he will not participate at the AEGON Championships at the Queen's Club, as well as Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the year slated to kick off later this month.
With Nadal set to miss the next ATP major tournament in Church Road, the world No. 4 shifts his focus at the 2016 Rio Olympics in August, where he could realistically make a tennis comeback, according to his doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro.
In an interview with Radio Gaceta, Cotorro talked about Nadal's latest setback, citing the Mallorcan's timetable for return to the tennis scene. Cotorro, who is also the doctor for the Spanish Tennis Federation, said Nadal's treatment is "going well," but playing Wimbledon would be too risky for the 14-time Grand Slam winner, hence the non-participation on the event. Nevertheless, Cotorro is convinced fans would see Nadal hitting the court at the Olympic Games in Brazil.
"We are all confident on the fact that Rafa will go to the Olympics. This is my goal, this is the goal of all the medical staff. If I say 'I believe Rafa will be at the Olympics', is because I truly believe he will be there!" Cotorro said, reports VAVEL.
Nadal is scheduled to play at the German Open and Montreal Masters in July before heading to the Rio Olympics. While it is still undetermined whether Nadal would compete in Hamburg and Canada, it would be essential for Nadal to pick up his winning form at the tournaments just in time for the 2016 Olympics.