As reported yesterday, Rafa took to the courts to play Lleyton Hewitt at Hurlingham. Bad news is ... he lost 6-4, 6-3. But it wasn't the result that mattered, it was the reports of his struggle to play. Here's a couple of reports ...
"Rafael Nadal still looked hampered by his injured knees in an unsuccessful transition to grass Thursday and will decide Friday whether he is fit enough to defend the Wimbledon title.
Nadal played without tape on his sore knees but frequently looked a step slow in losing 6-4, 6-3 to Lleyton Hewitt in an exhibition match at the Hurlingham Club in London. It was Nadal’s first match after losing to Robin Soderling in the fourth round of the French Open.
Nadal did not speak to reporters, but his uncle and coach Toni said it was still uncertain whether he can play at Wimbledon, which starts Monday.
Nadal plays another match against Stanislav Wawrinka on Friday, and Toni Nadal said the top-ranked player will make a decision after that."
So sadly, its not looking good ... some more words from Toni ...
"It will be “very difficult” for Rafael Nadal to play at Wimbledon in defense of his tennis title next week because of his knee problems, his uncle and coach Toni Nadal said.
He was speaking after Nadal lost today to Lleyton Hewitt in an exhibition match at Hurlingham Club in West London, his first match since exiting the French Open on May 31. He was testing his knees after suffering from tendinitis.
“At the moment it’s very difficult to play at Wimbledon, his knees are not good, he cannot bend,” the coach said. “This is his first match, we wait until tomorrow.”
Toni Nadal said that an electromagnetic machine had been used in an effort to deal with the problem but “at the moment it is not enough. We wait for tomorrow.”
I fear tomorrow may bring the gravest of news, but Rafa's health and longevity is what matters most. En Rafa confiamos ....
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