Rafael Nadal recently held a press conference in Mallorca to affirm his intention to play at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
Nadal's former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, hinted earlier this week by admitting that he thinks his nephew will play at the All England Club. It looks like he was aware of the 22-time Grand Slam champion's decision, which is now official.
The two-time former Wimbledon champion has confirmed today that he will be flying to London on Monday. He was satisfied with the treatment he received in Barcelona to cure a chronic foot injury which he says is still prevalent.
"What was done in Barcelona (medical treatment for the foot) is not a 100% immediate thing, but changes are noticeable, I have noticed them, strange sensations, my joint pain has decreased. My intention is to play Wimbledon, travel to London on Monday."
Nadal was on crutches following his 2022 Roland Garros campaign, which was successful as he won his 14th title in Paris and 22nd major. But he paid the price with his body. He's had the foot ailment throughout his career, and he's been able to manage it meticulously through the years.
But there comes a point when some treatment methods don't work when combined with intense practice and matches. So, it made sense that he stepped away from the courts for a few weeks after winning the French Open.
There were conflicting reports that he was withdrawing from Wimbledon, but this was premature and untrue. Nadal was back practicing on grass in Mallorca behind closed doors. It was the most obvious sign that he wanted to play the grass-court Grand Slam.
So far, he's unbeaten in the two majors he has played in 2022, winning both the Australian Open and the French Open, and can now aim for an incredible hat-trick. Will he add a third Wimbledon title to his illustrious resume?