Tennis World number three Rafael Nadal is pulling out of both this year’s Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympic Games. He says he needs to “recuperate after a long clay-court season”.
It was not an easy decision for the 20 time Grand Slam champion. But he believes it is the right thing to do following discussions with his team, and listening to his body. The winner of the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon titles says, “The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy”. He wants to continue competing at the highest level, fighting for professional and personal achievements.
The 35-year-old Spaniard hinted at this decision last week following his loss in the French Open semi-finals to Serbia’s world number one Novak Djokovic.
If defending champion Djokovic wins Wimbledon again, he will equal the record of 20 men’s major singles titles held by Nadal and Switzerland’s Roger Federer .
A demanding clay-court season
A key factor in Nadal’s decision was the shorter time between the French Open and Wimbledon. Usually there are three weeks between the two tournaments, but this year there are only two.
The French Open, played on clay, was pushed back a week by Roland Garros organisers so the tournament could begin with less coronavirus restrictions in the country. This included allowing fans in attendance to watch. The All England Club, played on grass, starts on 28 June.
The shorter time between the two tennis majors puts strain on the body, with less time to recuperate after a demanding clay-court season. Nadal says he has put great effort into playing over the last two months, but now needs to think about what is best for the long term. At this stage in his career it is important to monitor the effects of any excess and sport on the body.
Earlier this year, the tennis champion struggled with a back injury. Prior to the clay-court season beginning in mid April, Nadal only played in the Australian Open, where he lost in the quarter-finals.
No Olympics for Nadal
The decision also means missing out on the delayed Olympics in Tokyo, which begin on 23 July. Nadal has two Olympic gold medals, one for victory in the singles at Beijing 2008, and the other for winning doubles at Rio 2016.
The Olympics mean a lot to him, as they do to any sportsperson, and are always a priority. The Spaniard has had the opportunity to appear at three Games, and also had the honour of flagbearer for his country. However, he feels he needs to take the time out this year for his own health.
Thank you for reading Rafael Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon and Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Looking for a storage solution for your garden furniture, tools and belongings? Look no further – Garden Sheds at affordable prices.