Rafael Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon 2021 and the Tokyo Olympics

After suffering a heartbreaking semi-final loss against Novak Djokovic at the Roland Garros 2021, Rafael Nadal’s fans were expecting to see their hero come back stronger at the Wimbledon.

However, the Spaniard upset his fans even more after announcing his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Wimbledon 2021 and the Tokyo Olympics.

Taking to Twitter, Nadal issued a long statement, with almost 6 follow-up tweets. He clearly mentioned that he had to listen to his body and hence decided to pull out from the two marquee events.

Nadal was clearly struggling in the fourth set of his semi-final clash against Djokovic. His mobility was largely affected. Following his loss, Tournament director Guy Forget revealed that Nadal had a foot injury during his defeat to Djokovic.

Following Nadal’s withdrawal, a legion of tennis fans reacted to the Spaniard’s announcement. A majority of the tweets were in support of Nadal’s decision to listen to his own body.

Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:

🧡

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 17, 2021

Oh I am so so sad but you have to listen to your body. That’s Wimbledon over for me before it starts as I only watch it to see you. Rest up and come back better next year dear boy.

— Angie Bower (@Bushpig49) June 17, 2021

I'm sad about this news even if I'm a Novak fan. I want to see the 3 in the biggest stages and it always feels like there's a lot missing if one of them is not there. Get well Rafa!

— pomelody • 𓆊𓃬𓅃 (@pomelody) June 17, 2021

@DjokerNole must be dancing after hearing this news.😂
See you next year @RafaelNadal and @Wimbledon ,, no #RafaelNadal no Wimbledon😂. Better not waste time watching @DjokerNole 😂

— Abe (@abemo_tsopoe) June 17, 2021

https://twitter.com/stefan_lundmark/status/1405498208306991109

I still can’t believe there is only 2 weeks between grand slams. It’s a ridiculous decision. There should be at least a month. Will miss seeing you on grass 😫 but everyone needs to listen to their own body.

— Aaron (@chibikuma83) June 17, 2021

Such a shame, it will be a big loss, but i hope you can recover and rest well and return fitter and stronger.

— James🇺🇦🦋 + – = ÷ × 🦋🇺🇦 (@James551967) June 17, 2021

fuck!!! take care of yourself champ🐐 pic.twitter.com/xWulEu4G2N

— OO (@thelifeoforis) June 17, 2021

we're already missing you on the courts of the world – but it's the only right decision- safety first❣especially in these complicated Covid-times.Enjoy the Mallorcan summer on the Sea with your fishes😃⛴🐠🐡🐬🐋🐬+ family & friends.Take care of you all. See you soon back at🎾🧡

— RafasPuepppy♡🎾🇪🇸💪🏽♡ (@puepppy) June 17, 2021

I am so sad today
But it’s a necessary decision for Rafa to preserve his body and win more prestigious trophies in the future !

Dear @RafaelNadal you are a great champion and a wonderful man, an inspiration for all of us !
Take care and see you soon on courts pic.twitter.com/4LLip7dECX

— Arthur Delaye 🇫🇷🇫🇷🎾🎾 (@ArthurDelaye) June 17, 2021

https://twitter.com/Vamosgirl1/status/1405492900662816768

Is Novak Djokovic the overwhelming favourite now?

Nadal’s withdrawal means that Djokovic will be having ‘one tough match’ less. The Serb has been in red hot form, and Nadal’s withdrawal would do a world of good.

Given the dominance he asserted against the king of clay in the tournament he has been the least successful in, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Nole steamrolls his opponents at the Wimbledon.

Wimbledon has been Djokovic’s second most successful grand slam, and his exploits in the tournament are only second to Roger Federer.

With Federer completely out of form, and no one else apart from the ‘Big 4’ – the winner of Wimbledon since 2003, Djokovic will be looking forward to exerting his dominance.

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