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Nadal Australian Open 2021

‘My body decided for myself,’ Nadal opens up on French Open injury


Rafael Nadal reveals he picked up a foot injury at Roland Garros which ruled him out of both Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics this summer. 

The 20-time Grand Slam champion suffered the injury after his exploits at his favoured Slam, where he eventually fell to arch rival Novak Djokovic.

Following his French Open disappointment, the Spaniard announced his withdrawal from Wimbledon and the Olympics, and has now opened up on his injury troubles.

“I had some problems after Roland Garros, for which I could not play a couple of significant tournaments for me, such as Wimbledon and the Olympics,” said the 13-time French Open champion.

“My body decided for myself. If I had to choose, I would never miss Wimbledon and the Olympics, but I could not compete in these events.

“I had some issues with my foot and had to stop playing for 20 days (after Roland Garros). Then I started practicing, first for half an hour, and then a bit more. I went through the whole process.”

Nadal is making his debut in Washington this week as he looks to return to major tournament action at the US Open later this month.


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.