Share

Nadal's injury situation 'delicate' - Ferrer

Madrid - Rafael Nadal's injury situation is "delicate" ahead of the Rio Olympics, according to Spanish team-mate David Ferrer.

Nadal, a 14-time grand slam champion, has not played a competitive match since May 27 when a left wrist injury forced him to pull out of the French Open after the second round and miss Wimbledon.

World No 4 Nadal won gold in Beijing eight years ago and will be Spain's flag bearer in Rio.

"I will travel with Rafa on Sunday to Rio," Ferrer told Spanish radio Cadena Ser.

"His situation is more delicate. It's never easy to come back after an injury. We will see how he feels."

Roger Federer has pulled out of the Games due to a knee injury and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic and others are skipping the event due to concerns about the Zika virus.

"At the Olympics, you want to see all the players compete so it's a shame," Ferrer said. "But our calendar is very tight and then there is the Zika issue."

Ferrer, 34, is looking to put a disappointing season behind him and is relishing the opportunity to play a third Olympics.

His form has dropped in 2016 and he fell out of the world's top 10 in May for the first time in almost six years, before suffering a second-round exit at Wimbledon.

"After Wimbledon, I needed a break to regain my enthusiasm," Ferrer said. "It hasn't been my best year, very irregular and I just haven't shown my best.

"You can't always be at your maximum level and every year is more difficult, but I believe I can give more. I know I can play and compete better."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE