Razeen Gutta
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Wimbledon after an abdominal injury just a day before his scheduled semi-final match with Nick Kyrgios.
The Spaniard picked up the injury during his five-set win against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday and after practising at Wimbledon earlier today, reports suggested he would be able to play tomorrow.
Following his practice, however, Nadal held a press conference where he confirmed his withdrawal from the competition.
“I have to pull out of the tournament,” the 36-year-old said this evening. “I don’t believe I can win two matches in these circumstances. I can’t serve.
“As everybody saw yesterday I have been suffering with pain in the abdominal area. I have a tear in the muscle.
“The most important thing is happiness more than any titles. I can’t risk that match and stay two or three months out of the competition. I am very sad and it is a very tough one.”
Nadal’s opponent Kyrgios will receive a walkover into Sunday’s final and face off with either six-time champion Novak Djokovic or Britain’s number one, Cameron Norrie, after the two collide on Saturday.
