Rafael Nadal said he is paying the price for playing too soon following a hectic schedule at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
After an impressive, but exhausting stint at the Olympic Games, Nadal participated at the Cincinnati Masters, where he suffered a third round loss against Borna Coric. The excessive display of physical and mental effort in Rio contributed to Nadal's straight sets defeat at the tournament, raising concerns over the King of Clay's upcoming campaign at the US Open later this month.
"It's not the ideal situation to come back to competition," Nadal said, reports Tennis World USA. "In one week I went from practicing almost nothing to playing 23 hours in seven days. It's normal to come back a little slower, but having to come back for the Olympics didn't allow that. Now I pay."
"I have a little pain everywhere but nothing near what it would take to pull out. The wrist is still sore but mainly shoulder, and for the sure the different balls [than last week] did not help."
Although Nadal did not regret any of his decision to immediately compete at the Cincinnati Masters, it raised concerns over his bid to win another major at the remaining Grand Slam event of the year in New York. However, it seems getting rested isn't an option for Nadal, insisting that "with more rest the wrist will not go better. The wrist needs to adapt again to the game. Adapt to hit the ball."
A left wrist injury suffered at the French Open in May sidelined Nadal for more than two months before staging a comeback at the Olympic Games, highlighted by a Gold Medal finish in men's doubles competition. It was a remarkable return for Nadal coming off an injury, but too much competition may have clouded his chances for another Grand Slam singles title.
"I know I was ready this year to have strong results in Grand Slams. I get injury. I was unlucky. But I feel competitive again. I feel with the right motivation," Nadal said, reports Cincinnati.com.
"And in this moment of my career, the most important thing is enjoy and be happy doing what I am doing. I believe that I am going to keep having chances to win Grand Slams in the future if I am healthy. I have the right confidence that that can happen."
Keeping himself healthy would be the key for another strong showing at the US Open, but while his latest setback isn't too serious and complicated, Nadal should hope none of these hold ups happen once he plays at the US Open.