‘Could Be Understood as Victimhood’ – Spanish Olympian Lambasts Rafael Nadal Over a Bizarre Reason

It is no hiding the fact that Rafael Nadal has had a torrid time with injuries throughout his tennis career. Take the example of the previous season. The Spaniard was plagued with back and foot injuries that affected his year. Moreover, he had to miss the latter half of the 2021 season owing to these injuries.

Nonetheless, as has been the story of his illustrious career, Nadal came back strongly this year to clinch the Australian Open and the French Open titles. However, this year too, the 36-year-old has had to overcome injuries. Recently, Spanish Olympian, Jose Luis Gonzalez, opened up about Nadal’s injury struggles.

Spanish Olympian doesn’t like Rafael Nadal talking too much about his injuries

During an interview with ABC Tennis, Gonzalez said, “I do not agree with Rafael Nadal that he talks so much about his injuries. I think he is wrong talking so much about his ailments in the face of public opinion, because it could be understood as victimhood. If you decide to go to a competition, it is because you are in a position to do so. If you accept the challenge, you accept it and you should not talk about your physical problems. One must assume that he is to compete, period.”  

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Further, he added, “There are girls in rhythmic gymnastics with more physical problems than Nadal and they don’t talk about it as much. I also had my patellar tendon removed.”

Nadal doubtful for Wimbledon

Earlier this month, the Spanish legend clinched his 22nd Grand Slam title by defeating Casper Ruud in the summit clash of the French Open. However, Nadal had to play with his long-standing foot injury during the latter parts of the tournament. After the tournament, Nadal underwent treatment in Barcelona and was seen on crutches while arriving at the Barcelona Airport.

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This has cast doubt on the Spaniard’s Wimbledon participation. However, his uncle, Toni Nadal, remained hopeful that Nadal can participate in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament and win it.