Rafael Nadal to try and play in Shanghai despite early stages of appendicitis
More from Tennis
- Changing of the guard: Carlos Alcaraz dethrones Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon
- Wimbledon tiebreaker rules, explained
- Who is the youngest Wimbledon champion ever?
- How many Grand Slam titles has Novak Djokovic won?
- Marketa Vondrousova’s refreshing Wimbledon win: Injury comeback and history made
Rafael Nadal has had it confirmed that the abdominal pain he was suffering from in training over the last few days was actually the early stages of appendicitis. It will be frustrating news for Nadal, who has only last week returned to competitive action following a wrist injury that kept him side-lined since Wimbledon.
Nadal has spoken about his intentions to keep his focus on Shanghai in his press-conference today:
"“I am not going to go for surgery. That’s great news for me today. That’s why I’m here practicing for 45 minutes, and trying to play tomorrow. But obviously I am not in my best condition.”“My idea is take it out, but you can imagine that I didn’t (think) much about that yet. I am here in Shanghai. I just want to try. Then when I go back home, I will talk about the situation with my doctor,” Rafael Nadal"
Nadal is set to battle through the pain and open his campaign in Shanghai on Wednesday, playing in Round 2 against Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez. He received a bye through the First Round and will look to get a game under his belt so that he has more confidence in his body.
Round 1: Bye
Round 2: Feliciano Lopez
Round 3: John Isner
Quarter-Finals: Milos Raonic
Semi-Finals: Stanislas Wawrinka or Thomas Berdych
Final: Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic
Nadal certainly has a favorable half of the draw, as he can’t meet Federer, Djokovic or Murray until the Final. His opening few rounds pit him against big servers, which he tends to find easier than most given the incredible strength of his return game. He was upset by Martin Klizan in Bejing last week however, struggling to get any rhythm.
It will be interesting to see how Nadal fares with this added issue facing him. He will be extremely keen to end the year on a high and gain some all important momentum heading into the 2015 season. Surgery to remove his appendix will no doubt keep him out for a few weeks, but modern day players are so fit that it is rarely a complicated recovery.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26