[Pinkman]

Rafael Nadal determined to fight knee injury in time for Wimbledon defence
By Alex Kay
Last updated at 2:35 PM on 09th June 2009

Rafael Nadal looks likely to defend his Wimbledon title after announcing that he will travel to London on Sunday.

The world No 1 pulled out of this week's AEGON Championships at the Queen's Club with a recurring knee injury and has been having checks on his condition by doctors in Barcelona.
Nadal announced that he will do his all to be at the All England Club but would not be taking any risks.

‘I’m going to give 200 per cent to make sure I’m 100 per cent so I can play in the most important place in the world and the tournament that gives me the most excitement.

'But I won’t be going on any court, let alone Centre Court at Wimbledon, unless I’m 100 per cent fit.’
Nadal made a surprise early exit from the French Open nine days ago when he lost in the fourth round to eventual finalist Robin Soderling, ending his incredible 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros.

His high-octane style has often been hard on his body - he was forced to miss last year's end of season Masters Cup in Shangai because of his knees - and he is already being sorely missed at Queen's, where he was, alongside Andy Murray, the star billing.

Nadal might be expected to play an exhibition event in London next week to gauge how his knee is feeling before making a final decision on whether to defend his Wimbledon crown but his prospects now look good, with doctors ruling out any immediate prolonged period of rest for the Spaniard.

Roger Federer, who Nadal beat in last year’s brilliant final, says he hopes the Spaniard is fit.
‘It's frightening that he might pull from Wimbledon. You only want the best to play the biggest events. Rafa's not been injured that much, it's not like he played only 40 matches last season. He was there for the big occasions.

'It happens that you go through injury stretches. It doesn't seem 100 per cent serious but I only wish him the best. He wasn't taping his knees in Paris, he seemed fine to me and I can tell when he in pain and when he's not. I hope he can play.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/oth...n-defence.html

[wrenjmerg]

I'm not a rankings guru, but if he doesn't play (or loses in the first round), then Federer can regain #1 by winning the tournament.

[gyjsdtuwr]

[berdyanskdotsu]

A bit more info from his website:

RAFA TRAVELS TO LONDON ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH
Rafa Nadal has confirmed today that he will travel to London next Tuesday, June 16th. For the past 36 hours, Rafa Nadal, has been undergoing in-depth medical tests under the supervision of Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro.
Rafa Nadal:
"I have been playing with pain on my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this. The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well."
"After the tests and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London next Tuesday, June 16th."
"I am going to give my 200% to be ready for the most important tournament in the world. The tournament that I always dream about. I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100% ready to play."
"I have 2 difficult weeks ahead of me, especially because I won't be doing what I like doing most, which is to play tennis, but I will be working on my recovery through physiotherapy treatments as well as recovery work on the specific muscular area."
Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, the Spanish Federation doctor and Managing Director of the Mapfre Medical Tennis Center:
"After the appropriate tests (MRI, Ultrasound scans and gammagraphy) Mr. Rafael Nadal suffers from insertion tendonitis in the superior end of both kneecaps with a light osseous edema.
His treatment will involve oral anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy as well as progressive muscular exercises for both quadriceps's.
Following the 48-hour treatment, Mr. Nadal will gradually get back into training progressively."

[berdyanskdotsu]

Where is the 'let's cross our fingers' smiley?

[hacyOrgachbic]

I wish Rafa hadn't played with knee pain. That is so bad. I hope he is okay for Wimbledon I really do. But I don't see how he can give 200% if his knees aren't even 85%

This is a direct result of his style of play and how HARD he plays. We all knew it was coming. And just like the French.....if Fed wins without a 100% Rafael Nadal...then...

[itititit]

I wish Rafa hadn't played with knee pain. That is so bad. I hope he is okay for Wimbledon I really do. But I don't see how he can give 200% if his knees aren't even 85%

This is a direct result of his style of play and how HARD he plays. We all knew it was coming. And just like the French.....if Fed wins without a 100% Rafael Nadal...then...

It's funny. I've been looking over and over again the last few days in the tennis websites to see if they've posted any Rafa update news. And now, if Rafa does play, I'll be nervous for Rafa and his fans the whole time Wimbledon is going on. Those damned knees.....Again, I cannot help thinking that he MUST take care of this, sooner rather than later.

[Penisvergroesserung]

I think it should say he's "Likely to attend".

[hacyOrgachbic]

Absolutely nelslus, absolutely.

But....something (tiny) to consider?

I posted on my other site that.....Rafael was having a darn good run. And by that I mean....he was totally dominating the sport, up, down, right, left...it was all about...Rafael and Rafael and Roger.

For me personally, I enjoyed it but...I questioned how long Rafael can dominate. Roger has such an injury free career and an all - around game that doesn't depend on how hard he plays rather, flexibility and movement and strategy and reading his opponents were what Fed focused on. This allowed him to dominate for such a freaking long time.

It kills me to say this...and I don't want to upset anyone and I'm NOT dissing Rafael...but the fact of the matter is...with Rafa his body can only take so much. How long do you think he can continue to dominate like this? For me....I think...not much longer.

And that psych factor for Rafa is slowly coming apart. It isn't going to be much longer before the other players on the tour are no longer impressed by his awesomeness and allow him to beat them 61 and 60.

Of course he remains in the top 10 top 5 for a VERY long time.

[itititit]

Absolutely nelslus, absolutely.

But....something (tiny) to consider?

I posted on my other site that.....Rafael was having a darn good run. And by that I mean....he was totally dominating the sport, up, down, right, left...it was all about...Rafael and Rafael and Roger.

For me personally, I enjoyed it but...I questioned how long Rafael can dominate. Roger has such an injury free career and an all - around game that doesn't depend on how hard he plays rather, flexibility and movement and strategy and reading his opponents were what Fed focused on. This allowed him to dominate for such a freaking long time.

It kills me to say this...and I don't want to upset anyone and I'm NOT dissing Rafael...but the fact of the matter is...with Rafa his body can only take so much. How long do you think he can continue to dominate like this? For me....I think...not much longer.

And that psych factor for Rafa is slowly coming apart. It isn't going to be much longer before the other players on the tour are no longer impressed by his awesomeness and allow him to beat them 61 and 60.

Of course he remains in the top 10 top 5 for a VERY long time.

Not necessarily disagreeing.....but, I will never again underestimate Rafa's incredible game and will to win. IF he can stay at least reasonably healthy- that game is gonna be problematic for just about every player, no matter what. And, truly, as others have said, I do not think that I've ever seen a player who hates losing more.

AND- we just can never tell what will happen with ANY player's health and injury status.....that's what's so awful.

[Penisvergroesserung]

If his knee's are bum, I for 1 don't care to see him pull a Mary Pierce on the court.

[hacyOrgachbic]

Not necessarily disagreeing.....but, I will never again underestimate Rafa's incredible game and will to win. IF he can stay at least reasonably healthy- that game is gonna be problematic for just about every player, no matter what. And, truly, as others have said, I do not think that I've ever seen a player who hates losing more.

AND- we just can never tell what will happen with ANY player's health and injury status.....that's what's so awful.

And to boot nelslus...I don't think I've ever seen a player handle losing with such grace, goodwill and humility as Rafael He is something and....I would love to see a long - lived relationship between Rafael and Roger and...Wimbledon and Roland Garros

[Stovegeothnon]

If his knee's are bum, I for 1 don't care to see him pull a Mary Pierce on the court.

Shudder.

[LkEHaduy]

Great to hear he'll be playing

I just sincerly hope it is not too early for him to come back... but I trust he and his team know what's best.