Nadal accused of lying about Wimbledon injury as he is ‘set for tests’ before SF

Rafael Nadal faked his injury for tactical reasons in his epic Wimbledon quarter-final, according to fellow professional tennis star Fabio Fognini.

On Wednesday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion sensationally defeated American star Taylor Fritz in a five-set thriller, triumphing 3-6 7-5 3–6 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to book his place in the last four. However, Nadal suffered a frustrating injury that forced him to take a medical timeout and placed his participation in the Championships into doubt.

Despite pleas from his family to retire from the match after calling for the trainer, the 36-year-old continued with his abdominal injury. Nadal also admitted he ‘doesn’t know’ if he will be fit to contest his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios.

The Spaniard received universal praise for overcoming his injury to sensationally defeat Fritz in five sets over four hours and 21 stirring minutes. However, Fognini does not believe Nadal was truly injured and suggested he used the timeout tactically.

Responding to a headline after the match, the 35-year-old former World No.9 underlined the part that said Nadal had comeback from injury to win. He wrote: “For sure. Guys stop believe in what you read PLEASE!!!”

Regardless, Nadal was spotted donning brown strapping on the right side of his belly to try and help his injury. He suffered a medical timeout in the second set and admitted he may not be fit to face Kyrgios, with the Australian potentially set to receive a walkover to the final if the Spaniard pulls out.

Do you think Rafael Nadal lied about his abdominal injury? Let us know in the comments section.

When asked after the five set thriller if it was possible in time to face Kyrgios, Nadal said: “I don’t know. I’m going to have some more tests.

“It is difficult to know. I am used to have things and I am used to having pain and playing with problems.

“Let’s see. It’s obvious that this is nothing new. I had these feelings for a couple of days. Without a doubt, this was the worst day. There has been an important increase of pain and limitation.

“I can’t give you a clear answer because if I gave you a clear answer and then another thing happens, I will be a liar.”

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