Nadal took to the training courts this afternoon – later than planned – despite an abdominal injury, with reports in Spain claiming he had suffered a 7mm tear in a muscle. The two-time Wimbledon champion looked set to retire during his quarter-final win over Taylor Fritz, but recovered to win in five sets after four hours and 20 minutes. He had straps around his stomach and at times appeared to be in so much pain that his father and sister, watching from the players’ box, motioned for him to stop the match. The second player received medical attention during his quarterfinal match. Image: Nadal during an interview after winning his quarter-final match against Taylor Fritz After the match Nadal was asked what his chances were of recovering in time to face Kyrgios and he said: “I don’t know. Honestly, I can’t give you a straight answer.” Announcing his retirement, Nadal said: “If I continue, it’s obvious that the injury will get worse and worse. “I have a torn abdominal muscle.” He said he was “very sad” to have to withdraw from the tournament. The Spanish player said: “I can’t imagine myself winning two matches and out of respect for myself in a way I don’t want to go out and not be competitive enough.” “A few weeks ago I saw my career very different because of the leg injury. Read more: Cameron Norrie: British No 1 reaches Wimbledon semis after David Goffin win Cameron Norrie: Why British No 1 could turn the odds against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon semis “The most important thing is happiness more than any title. I can’t risk this fight and be out of competition for two or three months. “I’m very sad and it’s very difficult.” He has since confirmed that he will not continue. Nick Krygios will face the winner of the semi-final between Britain’s Cameron Norrie and defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
