Wimbledon 2022: Nadal doubtful for semi-final

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal produced a battling performance to set up a Wimbledon semi-final with Nick Kyrgios — then admitted that he did not know if he would be able to play in that match because of an abdominal injury.

After winning  Nadal revealed he had suffered from abdominal pain for a few days, but that it was at its worst during his victory over the American world No 14 Taylor Fritz, requiring prolonged treatment on court and anti-inflammatory medication.

When asked whether he would be fit to face Kyrgios on Friday, the Australian and French Open champion replied: “I don’t know. 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 will have tests and scans on Thursday and they will determine if he plays in the semi-final. Asked about his general fitness, Nadal, 36, said: “The body in general is fine, but in the abdominal [area] something is not going well, being honest. I had to find a way to serve a little bit different. For a lot of moments I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match but the crowd, the energy [helped], thanks for that.”

Nadal’s father and sister were watching on Centre Court. “They told me I need to retire,” he said. “For me it was tough to retire in the middle of the match. It’s something that I hate to do. So I just keep trying.”

Kyrgios, who has had a controversial Wimbledon, beat Chile’s Cristian Garín in straight sets to make his first grand-slam semi-final. The Australian — who described Nadal as “salty” in a podcast in 2019, and accused him of being a bad loser — said the match “would probably be the most-watched of all time”.

The 27-year-old added: “We are two different personalities but I feel we respect the hell out of each other. It [will] be a mouthwatering encounter.”