Defending Champion Rafael Nadal Could Miss Wimbledon

According to reports, Rafael Nadal could miss the 2009 Wimbledon Championships. Toni Nadal, the uncle and coach of the six-time Grand Slam winner, has said that Nadal has a damaged right knee, was doubtful for Wimbledon, and wasn't too optimistic. Rafa's tennis schedule didn't help matters. Nadal played five clay tournaments in three months, prior to the start of the French Open, winning four of them, and finishing runner-up in the fifth. In recent years, Nadal plays more tournaments per year than almost everyone on the ATP tour and it has appeared to take its toll. Nadal is currently at home on the island of Mallorca where he is undergoing medical tests and it could be another week or two until we find out if he will play or not.

The 2009 Wimbledon Championships are set to be held from June 22 to July 5 and is the third Grand Slam of the year. Nadal most recently pulled out of the Queen's Club event that was scheduled to be played from June 8 to June 14. The Queen's Club tournament is a preparation and warm-up for Wimbledon because of its similarities. Nadal was also the defending champion of this event, winning the title against Novak Djokovic in the finals, in straight sets.

Nadal is the defending champion of the event, winning it for the first time in his career last year against Roger Federer in five sets. Most people think it was the greatest tennis match played in history. The win was his first Wimbledon Championship to go along with four French Open Championships and snapped Federer's streak of five consecutive Wimbledon's. Nadal would add an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and an Australian Open title earlier this year for his sixth career Grand Slam.

Nadal recently played the French Open and was heavily favored to win his fifth consecutive French Open title. In the first three rounds, everything was going according to plan with Nadal not losing a set and setting a record with 31 consecutive wins at the French Open. In the fourth round, Nadal faced off against #23 ranked Robin Soderling and was upset in four sets. This was Nadal's first loss in this event. The loss could of been in part due to the knee injury and Nadal complained about the pain after the match.

If Nadal is to miss Wimbledon, it would be a huge letdown for all tennis fans as it would rob everyone of a chance to see another epic final between Nadal and Federer.

Source:

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4236922