‘Highly Competitive From the Second’ – Toni Nadal Predicts Rafael Nadal to Clinch Wimbledon Over Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini

After winning his 22nd Grand Slam title, Rafael Nadal opened up about an issue that has been pestering him. Since his debut, Nadal has been in constant struggle with a persistent foot injury.

As soon as he won the French Open title, Nadal rushed back home to treat his foot. Later, he made it clear that he has no intentions to retire any time soon while confessing the threat that the injury imposes on his career. Amid the retirement speculations, the Spaniard surprised his fans by announcing his return to the Wimbledon Championships after a gap of two years.

Toni Nadal about Nadal’s current conditions

Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach spoke about the physical state of his nephew. With the Wimbledon Championships at the doorstep, he said, “It is almost impossible for Rafa to play because he needs rest before a Grand Slam. The week before, he prefers to train calmly and not be competing.”

Thereafter, Toni explained who, according to him, will be the best bet at SW19 and where Nadal stands in it.

“Rafa is fine. I think he will be one of the favorites. The main one is still Djokovic and Hurkacz or Berrettini will be there. If he is lucky enough to pass the first week, he becomes highly competitive from the second.”

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Nadal started practising for Wimbledon in the grass courts of Mallorca and landed in London few days ago to practice on the courts of Wimbledon.

How is Rafael Nadal ahead of the big three?

Nadal started the year in the absence of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, the respectable members of the Big-3. While Federer was out of the circuit because of his knee injury, the Serbian was forced to leave Australia owing to his vaccination status. With these two not present, the Spaniard furthered his records considerably.

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Nadal first broke the three-way tie of 20 Grand Slams at the Australian Open by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Thereafter, he enjoyed a 20-match long winning streak in hard court season. Following that, he bagged another Grand Slam at the French Open with Djokovic in the race and secured a lead of two majors over Federer and Djokovic.