Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal confirmed on Thursday that he has withdrawn from the upcoming Wimbledon tournament and the Tokyo Olympics.
The 35-year-old announced Rafael Nadal’s decision on social media, explaining that he had decided not to participate in these two competitions.
“It’s never an easy decision to make but after listening to my body and discussing it with my team, I understand it’s the right decision,” said the player, who missed London 2012 with tendonitis in knee.
“The goal is to extend my career and keep doing what makes me happy. It’s about competing at the highest level and continuing to fight for these professional and personal goals at the highest level of competition, ”he added.
Nadal was eliminated from Roland-Garros in the semifinals by future winner Novak Djokovic.
He said the lack of rest periods between Roland Garros and Wimbledon was one of the reasons for not participating in the All-England Club.
“The fact that it was only two weeks between RG and Wimbledon did not facilitate the recovery of my body after the always demanding season on clay.”
“It has been two months of great efforts and the decision I am making is focused on the medium and long term,” he explained.
Nadal has triumphed twice at Wimbledon (2008 and 2010) and won the gold in singles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and a gold in doubles in Rio in 2016.
“The Olympic Games have always meant a lot and they are always a priority as a sportsman. I found the spirit that every athlete in the world wants to live.
“I personally had the chance to live three and I had the honor to be the flag bearer of my country,” said his statement on social networks. (Xinhua / NAN)
