Many hail Rafael Nadal as one of the greatest tennis athletes because of his dominant play on the court. At Wimbledon this year, despite his solid performance, Nadal was forced to pull out before his semifinal clash with Nick Kyrgios because of an abdominal injury.

During the tournament, Czech–American tennis legend Martina Navratilova mocked the Spaniard, labeling him as a “prima donna” during Wimbledon.

Martina Navratilova once mocked Rafael Nadal

The Spanish tennis player was to face the Italian, Lorenzo Sonego, in the third-round match of the gentlemen’s singles event at Wimbledon. However, Nadal arrived a little late to enter Centre Court due to some reasons. As a result, Martina Navratilova was prompted to take a dig at the Spaniard. The 18 Grand Slam title winner was there at the event with the presenter Sue Barker.

During the match, Barker stated, “We are awaiting Rafael Nadal, he is still in the locker room at the moment,” as the Centre Court crowd was eagerly waiting for Nadal to arrive and play his match against the Italian. Navratilova responded to Barker, “Rafa always makes us wait, doesn’t he?” The former Czech–American tennis player added, “He is such a prima donna!”

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During the tournament, Rafael Nadal broke a Wimbledon record that was previously held by Navratilova. Nadal defeated Ricardas Berankis to surpass Navratilova for the most All-England Club victories. The Spaniard is in the fourth spot behind some of the other tennis greats like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. Navratilova also congratulated Nadal on her social media.

Nadal’s injury spoiled his solid performance at Wimbledon

The former Wimbledon champion started the tournament in London with a brilliant performance. Nadal knocked out the Argentine tennis player, Francisco Cerundolo, in the first-round match. The Spaniard went on to beat players like Ričardas Berankis and Lorenzo Sonego, in the next rounds of the tournament. In the round of 16 of Wimbledon, Nadal beat the Dutch tennis player, Botic van de Zandschulp.

The Spaniard breezed through the tournament’s initial rounds and then faced the American rising star, Taylor Fritz. Nadal beat Fritz, 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10/4), in a thrilling match. However, despite his brilliant performances, Nadal was forced to withdraw from the tournament because of an injury. As a result, he missed the semi-final match of the Grand Slam event.

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