Rafael Nadal (Photo : Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal is calmly waiting for the right moment to return in the tennis scene as he gets closer to his first practice session after a suffering a left wrist injury.
Toni, Rafael's long-time coach and uncle, provided an update to the King of Clay's physical condition a few weeks after sustaining a left wrist injury that forced Rafa to withdraw from the French Open in Paris. According to Toni, Rafa has started rehabilitation without playing his left wrist, but is expected to practice hitting the ball next week.
"Last week we started rehabilitation on the court, without hitting the ball. We have reinforced the arm and wrist. Next week we will start hitting the ball," Toni told Cadena Ser as translated by Tennis World USA.
Rafa missing the Wimbledon would probably be frustrating as much as it was when he was forced to retire hurt mid-event at Roland Garros. The 14-time Grand Slam winner, following a regretful season in 2015, has somewhat regained his mojo back this season, winning back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
Competing at Wimbledon would have been monumental for Rafa's confidence in his quest to find his old-lethal form and add another major title in his Grand Slam records. But according to Toni, Rafa has accepted missing out playing at the All England Club in Church Road as he patiently waits for the right moment to compete again.
"He accepted that he will not play Wimbledon and is calm but willing to compete again. The plan is to play Toronto because it makes no sense to play Hamburg which takes place on clay. We will see if will do well at the Olympic Games," Toni said.
With Rafa expected to return in action at the Rogers Cup next month, there will be plenty of time for the 30-year-old to get on his game, which was in full display before pulling out at Roland Garros. However, it would not be enough for the Spaniard to pick up where he left off, a vintage Rafa who is almost on the verge of leveling with career rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
