Nadal's Wimbledon Dream Shattered

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from Wimbledon citing abdominal injury issues. Nadal was on course of winning 3 grand slams on the trot this year but the injury had it's toll on the Spaniard once again in his career. With a remarkable win over Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals, fans were hoping for a mouthwatering clash between Rafa and Nick Kyrgios. Nadal fought his way through despite suffering an abdominal injury. Mid-way his match against fritz, Nadal seemed to be in extreme pain but he did what he does best,making a comeback against all odds.

However, On thursday, Rafa announced that he won't be able to feature in the semifinals of Wimbledon due to abdominal injury. He said, "I made the decision because I believe I can't win two matches under these circumstances". I don't want to go out there, not be competitive enough to play at the level that I need to play to achieve my goal."

We're sad to see it end this way, @RafaelNadal

Thank you for another year of unforgettable moments at The Championships#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/XadiEVxaWF

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2022

Earlier this year, Rafa was struggling with a foot injury which even threatened his chances at the French Open. However, he entered the tournament and claimed his record-extending 14th French Open title. Nadal also made one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history in January this year when he came from 2 set down to complete a stunning win over Russian Daniil Medvedev. The spaniard won his 2nd Australian Open title, 13 Years after his first in 2009. In Wimbledon this year, Nadal was eyeing his 3rd title having won in 2008 and 2010.

Fans were hoping for another chapter in the rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic, as they both were in course for yet another Grandslam final meeting. However, Nadal's Injury has ensured that the Australian Star Nick Kyrgios will compete in his first grandslam final awaiting the winner of the other semifinal between defending champion Novak Djokovic and British Number 1 Cameron Norrie. Novak Djokovic will be eyeing for yet another wimbledon final when he faces the crowd favourite - Cameron Norrie, in the semifinals. The serbian is looking for his 7th Wimbledon title which will see him equal the American great Pete Sampras and one short of Swiss Maestro Roger Federer's tally of 8 Wimbledon titles.