Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Injured Nadal unsure if he can play semis against Kyrgios

Struggling with physical ailment, Nadal appeared close to retiring mid-match on Wednesday on Centre Court but he found the will to beat Fritz.

Injured Nadal unsure if he can play semis against Kyrgios

Rafael Nadal provided no assurance that he would be able to turn up for his Wimbledon semi-final on Friday against Australian Nick Kyrgios after the Spaniard played through an abdominal injury to beat Taylor Fritz in an absorbing contest.

Struggling with physical ailment, Nadal appeared close to retiring mid-match on Wednesday on Centre Court but he found the will to beat Fritz in four hours and 20 minutes.


A third Wimbledon title and first since 2010 on the manicured lawns and a U.S. Open triumph at Flushing Meadows would see the Mallorcan claim the calendar slam -- a feat last achieved in 1969 by Australian great Rod Laver.

But there was no guarantee from the 36-year-old that he would be present on Centre Court to keep his historic bid going.

"I don't know," Nadal said when asked about his chances of playing the unseeded 27-year-old Kyrgios.

"Honestly, I can't give you a clear answer because if I gave you a clear answer and tomorrow another thing happens, I will be a liar."

Nadal took a medical timeout against 11th-seeded Fritz during his quarter-final outing to get treatment on the injury and said he had to adjust his game to continue playing.

The Spaniard, however, considered retiring many times during the contest.

"I just wanted to give myself a chance. Not easy to leave the tournament, not easy to leave Wimbledon, even if the pain was hard," the 22-times Grand Slam winner said.

"I don't know. I wanted to finish. I fought. Proud about the fighting spirit and the way that I managed to be competitive under that condition."

Nadal said he was worried about the injury and he will undergo more scans on Thursday before making a decision about continuing to compete at the grasscourt major.

"I am used to holding pain and play with problems," said Nadal, who played and won Roland Garros with pain-killing injections prior to each match and only confirmed his Wimbledon participation after radio frequency treatment eased pain in his foot.

"Knowing that, when I feel something like I felt, that is because something is not going the proper way in abdomen. But let's see. I had these feelings for a couple of days. Without a doubt, today was the worst day, has been an important increase of pain and limitation," he said.

(Reuters)

More For You

Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rugby Premier League

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. (Photo: Rugby Premier League India)

Rugby Premier League India

Rugby Premier League aims to revive Indian rugby through new sevens league

NEARLY 150 years after the closure of the Calcutta Football Club led to the creation of rugby's oldest international trophy, a new sevens-format league has been launched this month to help revive the sport in India.

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. The tournament follows rule variations suited to television broadcasts.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jofra Archer

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Getty Images

Jofra Archer recalled for second Test against India

JOFRA ARCHER has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India, marking his return to the Test side after more than four years.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Keep ReadingShow less