Rafael Nadal has arrived in the UK, specifically in London, where he will be competing at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
Despite Wimbledon being the Spaniard's least successful Grand Slam tournament, he remains undefeated in the majors in 2022 and will be hopeful to challenge for the title. He won the Australian Open in January by beating Daniil Medvedev in an epic final.
Earlier this month, Nadal put paid to pre-tournament doubts about his form and fitness to win a record-extending 14th French Open, by beating the likes of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Casper Ruud in the last three rounds.
But Nadal's Roland Garros win, which puts him two majors clear of close rival Djokovic, came at a cost. He exacerbated his chronic foot injury and was required to undergo an operation in Barcelona after the tournament, throwing his participation in the grass-court major in jeopardy.
Initially, it was reported that he had withdrawn from the tournament, but Nadal never made such a statement. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, was the first person from his inner circle to reveal his intentions to play at Wimbledon.
Nadal's operation in Spain went according to plan because it had the desired effect he was looking for. He was back on the practice courts in Mallorca preparing for Wimbledon. He won two titles at SW19, the last of which was in 2010.
He has come close a few times to adding to that number in the past, most recently in 2018 when he lost to Djokovic in an incredible semi-final match that was completed in two days.
Now, Nadal has warmed up on the grass courts of the All England Club, and he will play his first exhibition match in Hurlingham against Stan Wawrinka on Wednesday.
Then, he will play another match on Friday against Felix Auger-Aliassime who was the only player that won more than one set against him on his way to title in Paris.
"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."
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