‘Worst Enemy of Every Athlete’- Novak Djokovic Opens Up About Rafael Nadal’s Sudden Withdrawal From Wimbledon Championships 2022

Novak Djokovic is currently competing as a defending champion in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. While he successfully entered the final of the tournament, one of his biggest rivals, Rafael Nadal, had to withdraw because of an unfortunate injury.

Rafael Nadal suffered an abdominal injury while competing against the American tennis ace Taylor Fritz. Although he came out victorious, his injury brought an abrupt end to his journey at this year’s Wimbledon. Therefore, Djokovic, who went through something similar during his 2021 Australian Open campaign, shared his thoughts.

Novak Djokovic about Nadal’s injury

While speaking to the press before his last round clash with Australian Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic spoke about Nadal’s injury and subsequent withdrawal. He said, “Injuries are the worst enemy of every athlete. I give Nadal a lot of credit for the way he fought and won that quarterfinals match with that injury. He is the one who knows his body the best, so the decision whether to continue or not was always up to him.”

“It is very sad that a tournament so big as Wimbledon did not have a second semi-final. But it is what it is,” he added. The Serb incurred an abdominal injury while playing against the same opponent, that is the Indian Wells reigning champion Taylor Fritz in the third round of last year’s Australian Open. However, unlike Nadal, he overcame the injury scare and lifted the trophy.

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At Wimbledon, Djokovic will meet the former World No.13 on Sunday at Centre Court with the intent of claiming his fourth consecutive and seventh Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy.

Djokovic’s season so far

Wimbledon might be the 35-year-old’s last Grand Slam of this year. Earlier this year, Djokovic chose to stand firm on his decisions related to vaccination and walked out of the Australian Open. Following that, he failed to defend his title in the French Open as well.

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The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who almost completed the Calender Grand Slam last year, is fighting for his first major title at the All England Club. As the Serb’s participation in the upcoming US Open is doubtful due to his stance on vaccination, today’s final could be the only chance this year for Djokovic to secure his 21st Grand Slam.