Nadal plans to play Wimbledon, says Uncle Toni Nadal

The uncle and former longtime coach of Rafael Nadal says that the Spaniard is making progress in his quest to be ready for Wimbledon.

Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2022 Image Credit: JB Autissier / Panoramic

Chris Oddo

June 11, 2022

Just a few days after undergoing a procedure to numb some of the painful nerves in his left foot, it appears that Rafael Nadal is on the road to rapid recovery.

His Uncle and former longtime coach, Toni Nadal, told media that the 36-year-old is planning to hit the grass courts next week in Mallorca.

Nadal with post-surgery crutches, Majorque

Tennis Majors

“When we talked yesterday, he said it’s going much better. He wants to train,” Nadal’s Uncle said. “If he has a small chance, he will play at Wimbledon.”

The 14-time Roland-Garros and 22-time Grand Slam champion apparently has plans to hit the grass in his native Mallorca next week.

“He is planning to train on the sidelines of the Mallorca Open from Monday,” Toni revealed.

Nadal Wimbledon 2008 — Victoire et joie de Rafael Nadal (esp) apres 5 set – Wimbledon – Finale – 06.07.2008 – J13 – Tennis – ATP – Homme Hommes Messieurs Masculins – largeur attitude joie victoire a terre au sol tomber

Nadal’s foot was asleep during 2008 Wimbledon final

Uncle Toni Nadal also told Punto de Break that his nephew has played Grand Slams with his foot asleep before. He then said that Nadal’s biggest previous grass-court win, against Roger Federer in the epic 2008 Wimbledon final, was played with a numb foot as well.

“He also played with his foot asleep in other Grand Slams,” Toni Nadal said. “At Wimbledon 2008 he played the final against Federer with his foot asleep.”

Nadal himself told reporters last week in Paris that he needed injections to mitigate pain in his left foot prior to each of his seven matches at Roland-Garros.

At the time Nadal also stated his desire to play at Wimbledon, if his body would allow it.

“I’m going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon,” he said. “That’s it. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss. I think nobody want to miss Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon. I had a lot of success there. I live amazing emotions there. So full credit and respect to the tournament. A player like me, I am always ready to play Wimbledon.

“So if you ask me if I will be in Wimbledon, I can’t give you a clear answer. If I want to win Wimbledon, of course. Let’s see how the treatment works. I don’t know.”