Spain’s ATP Cup Captain Gives Fresh Injury Update on Rafael Nadal

Published 02/05/2021, 7:00 AM EST

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal has had an unpleasant start to his 2021 season. On account of his back injury, he has missed out on all group-stage matches at the ongoing ATP Cup. However, Team Spain has still managed to reach the semifinals of the tournament. Now, will he be fit enough to compete in time for the big match?

Spain’s ATP Cup captain Pepe Vendrell has answered this question. He revealed that the 34-year-old is doing everything possible to enable himself to play. In the end, it will be a race against time for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal Brings Back Laver Cup Memories With His Hilarious Reactions at ATP Cup 2021

Article continues below this ad

Rafael Nadal is improving every day, says Spain’s ATP Cup Captain

The runner-up team of the ATP Cup from last year, Team Spain, is looking forward to going one step further this year. But if Rafael Nadal doesn’t play, their desired outcome might get hindered.

So while the team is analyzing their situation and options, the Spaniard is training to get ready at the earliest.

“He’s working very hard to recover his best feelings,” said Pepe. “Obviously he couldn’t play any matches during the week. It’s a situation that we have to study.”

Although he is getting better, it remains uncertain whether Rafa will play against Italy in the semifinals or not. Pepe continued, “But day by day he’s improving. We will see tomorrow if he can play.”

Team Spain, Team Italy, Team Russia, and Team Germany will now fight for the ATP Cup 2021. Last year’s defending champions, Novak Djokovic-led Team Serbian got eliminated in the group-stage round.

Australian Open 2021 Draw: Novak Djokovic Receives Tough Path to Title Defense With Potential Thiem Semifinals

Will back injury affect Nadal’s Australian Open 2021 campaign?

Furthermore, Pepe mentioned that the ‘King of Clay’ is back to training, and they will hear his decision tonight. In case he plays, it’ll be a great opportunity for Nadal to prepare for the Australian Open 2021.

Article continues below this ad

The news of Nadal resuming training is a good sign as the major tournament starts in a few days. But as per the captain, they will evaluate the best decision for Team Spain.

Pepe said, “We are going to talk tonight. He practiced and he was feeling better. We are thinking as a team. We [will] try to choose the better option for the team.”

Article continues below this ad

Fans will love to see Nadal compete in Spain’s match against Italy in the semifinals. However, a risk at this point could put the entire Grand Slam campaign in trouble.

How Can Rafael Nadal Beat Novak Djokovic at Australian Open 2021?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

Spain’s ATP Cup Captain Gives Fresh Injury Update on Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is improving every day, says Spain’s ATP Cup Captain

Trending

Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka

Who Is Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Tennis-Playing Sister? Meet 16-Yo Elisavet, the Lesser-Known Sibling of the Family

Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite

WTA Stuttgart 2024: Prize Money Breakdown, Winner’s Pay-Check and More

Will back injury affect Nadal’s Australian Open 2021 campaign?