Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion on July 6, took down Taylor Fritz, the last American tennis ace standing. In the quarterfinals of the grass-based Grand Slam, made Fritz pack his bags by winning a five-set long match.

However, during the match, Nadal suffered an abdominal injury which broke his dream of claiming his third Wimbledon trophy this year. The Spaniard’s withdrawal from the tournament not only pained him. But also the entire tennis fraternity, including the veteran, Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova’s thoughts about the unfortunate withdrawal from Rafael Nadal

The 18-time Grand Slam champion has witnessed Nadal become the player he is today. She was aware of the efforts the former World no.1 puts into his games. Hence, Navratilova understood that the injury must have been unbearable if Nadal had decided to quit. Therefore, she wrote, “Just so disappointed for Rafael Nadal. Such a shame his body isn’t allowing him to continue.”

“His spirit is unbreakable- hope he will be back soon- VAMOS Champ!!! Class act all the way,” she concluded. The Spanish legend was supposed to lock horns with the Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios in the semifinals of the Wimbledon Championships.

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Read More: ‘Really Difficult’–Rafael Nadal on His French Open Record Getting Broken

The Aussie outclassed Chilean no.1 and ATP Huston semifinalist, Cristian Garin in the quarterfinals to book an encounter with Nadal. This match would have been their 10th clash in total. And a tie-breaker on Wimbledon as they both have secured one win against each other on grass majors.

A missed opportunity

Rafael Nadal, after missing the 2021 US Open because of his recurring foot injury, stepped on the hard courts of Australia to test his skills. There he outclassed the Russian tennis ace and the US Open reigning champion, Daniil Medvedev, and claimed the title. Thus, taking the first step toward a Calender Grand Slam.

Thereafter, he entered the Grand Salm of clay with the goal of clinching his 14th French Open trophy. On June 5, the 36-year-old accomplished his dream and marked the 2022 French Open title under his name. Hence covering halfway to a Calendar Grand Slam.

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But now that Nadal has said goodbye to the Grand Slam of grass, he will have to start fresh next year. However, the coming year will be a bit more difficult as the other two of the big three will also be competing.