Rafael Nadal survives injury scare, fit to continue title defence at Wimbledon 2011 – Tennis News
World number one Rafael “Rafa” Nadal of Spain survived an injury scare today in London, England after an MRI scan revealed that he was fit to play.
Rafa had feared an injury to his heel during his fourth round match at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships against Argentine giant Juan Martin Del Potro on Tuesday, 27th June. The player had called for assistance after
the first set when he feared something had “cracked” in his heel. However, the resilient Spaniard went on ahead and finished his match, securing a four set 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory and berth in the quarterfinals.
Fearful of a serious injury the player had expressed his views for an MRI scan for further clarification of the problem. Rafa had said, "I don't know what the problem is, I will get it checked out. I'm worried for sure. At one
moment at the end of the first set I thought I might have to retire.”
Rafa’s statement sent rumours and gossip afloat in the tennis world of his chances for a successful title defence. Analysts and pundits, with no concrete proof, started speculating Rafa’s withdrawal from the event and a new champion
in the event’s 125th edition.
However, after having undergone a physical check-up a relieved Rafa updated his status on the popular social networking website – Facebook.com saying that his MRI scans revealed that there was no serious injury to his heel and
that he was fit to play.
The Spaniard’s status read, “Good morning everybody. Yesterday after the match I went to take an MRI at a London hospital. During the match I thought I had something serious but as the match went through the pain got better and
thankfully the tests don't show an injury. Today I will practice at 4.30 pm and I'll play tomorrow. Thanks all for the support.”
Rafa takes to the court to practice for his quarterfinal match against the rising American Mardy Fish on Wednesday, 29th June with a potential semi-final clash against local hope, Andy Murray.
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