Rafael Nadal (Photo : Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal could miss out in participating at Wimbledon later this month following the Spaniard's withdrawal from the Queen's Club grass-court tournament, which serves as a tune up event before heading to Church Road.
Following Nadal's unfortunate exit at Roland Garros, where he was going for a "La Decima" of French Open titles, there were concerns whether the 14-time Grand Slam winner would be able to get back in the tennis scene immediately. While Nadal has yet to confirm his return to competition, it seems it would take a little while before get to see him back in action, with Rafa reportedly withdrawing from the Aegon Championships, making an appearance at Wimbledon, just two days after the Queen's club, unlikely.
According to the BBC, Nadal feared that playing at Queen's could tear a tendon on his left wrist, which could have happened if the world No. 5 pushed to play at the French Open.
"I enjoy playing in front of the British people and I was looking forward to trying to win the title for a second time," Nadal said.
Nadal was the topic of the tennis world when he pulled out mid-event in this year's French Open due to a left wrist injury, which he had sustained while playing at the Madrid Open last month. The news came as a shock to many, especially with Nadal playing the best tennis of his career after struggling mightily in the past two seasons, having won back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Skipping another Grand Slam event would be a blow to Nadal's bid of regaining his vintage form, which has almost came into fruition after remarkable stints at the beginning of the clay-court season.
There is also a growing sense Nadal currently faces another major setback, something that could sideline him for months. Nadal, who only won a single title on the grass-courts of Wimbledon, admitted he would prefer that the injury happened last year amidst his losing slump.
"I would have preferred if this had been last year," Nadal said, reports USA Today. "We had done our homework. I was moving forward. I played at very high level for several weeks. Unfortunately, this has stopped me now, but I certainly hope it will just be a brief incident and that I can fully recover."
Fans may not see Nadal at Wimbledon, competing for another Grand Slam title against the likes of career rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. But it probably is the best move for Nadal as he goes back to square one in regaining his old form.
