Share

I almost destroyed wrist at French Open - Nadal

Paris-Rafael Nadal admitted on Thursday that he almost "destroyed" his wrist at last year's French Open, as he relived the pain which forced him to abandon his pursuit of a 10th Roland Garros title. 

The Spanish star withdrew from the 2016 tournament with a left wrist injury on the eve of his third round match, going on to miss Wimbledon before returning for the Rio Olympics.

"It was not a decision - it was an obligation. I almost destroyed my wrist at Roland Garros," Nadal told Eurosport on Thursday. 

"What seemed doable on Monday was more difficult on Friday. I was playing well and pushed further until my wrist said 'no'. After that, the rest of the year was complicated." 

Nadal is bidding to win the French Open for a 10th time and is considered the leading favourite after clinching clay court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid already this year. 

He also reached his first Grand Slam final in three years in Australia in January where he lost in three sets to old rival Roger Federer who is skipping Roland Garros. 

"My forehand is getting better and better. The rest of my game is working well and there aren't too many ups and downs at the moment," said the 30-year-old Nadal whose record in Paris reads nine titles, 72 match wins and just two defeats.

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!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 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