Rafael Nadal announcing his withdrawal from the tournament. Photo: AELTC/Joe Toth-Pool/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Wimbledon ahead of his semifinal match, tournament organizers announced on Thursday.
Why it matters: The 22-time majors champion withdrew due to an abdominal tear, ending his hopes of a calendar-year Grand Slam.
- Nadal, who won the Australian Open and the French Open this year, had a 19-0 record in majors in 2022.
Driving the news: The Spaniard beat American Taylor Fritz on Wednesday in five sets but needed to call a trainer for his injury in the second set.
- Nadal practiced for 45 minutes on Thursday and was able to hit forehands and backhands but could not hit his serve at full power, per the Times.
- He then informed the All England Club that he would not be fit enough to play, according to the Times.
What they're saying: "I think it's obvious that if I keep going the injury is going to be worse and worse, and that's the thing that I can say now. I feel very sad to say that," Nadal said at a press conference.
- "I made my decision because I believe that I cannot win two matches under [this circumstance]," he added.
What's next: Nadal was scheduled to face Australia's Nick Kyrgios, who will now get an automatic spot in Sunday's Wimbledon final.
- Kyrgios, who will be playing in his first Grand Slam final, will face the winner of top-seeded Novak Djokovic and Great Britain's Cameron Norrie.