‘Put Rafa among the favourites’, declares Nadal’s coach ahead of Wimbledon quarter final

Rafael Nadal’s Wimbledon campaign has progressed from strength to strength. After unconvincing wins against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo and Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, the Spaniard dished out straight-set defeats to Lorenzo Sonego and Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. With expectations tempered by a debilitating foot injury, the southpaw continues to surprise onlookers with his durability. The second seed is on course for a calendar slam, meeting all comers with his thrusting menace. Not since the great Rod Laver has tennis witnessed a racqueteer snatch all four Grand Slams in a single season.

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After a gruelling French Open campaign, Nadal threatened to give Wimbledon the skip. But mustering enough muscle in his ageing body, the master returned for perhaps his final assault on grass. Although among the favourites, the Mallorcan himself was unsure of his chances. Coach Francisco Roig reveals how his team began the tournament with mild expectations:

“When we got here, the first thing was to be able to compete because we had the foot treatment and didn’t know how it would work. The first goal was to be in the second week and play better every day and now we are in the quarterfinals and can be happy,” quotes TennisWorld USA.

But with four wins in the bank, the second week holds immense promise for the record champion:

“At the moment, we are going well but have a quarterfinal with Fritz. When we arrived, we did not think about winning. I said that if we reached the second week, put Rafa among the favorites to win the tournament,” added Roig.

The confidence within the Nadal camp is understandable. The 36-year-old has adapted well to the slowness of the grass courts, steadily reaching the levels expected of him:

“I have seen the last two matches very well. There has been a lot of difference in terms of hitting the ball and dominating and being able to go forward. He has served well, but everything he does can be done better, especially on grass when it’s your first tournament in three years,” concluded Roig.

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With the semis beckoning, Rafa will battle with Taylor Fritz later today. The American comes off the back of an impressive grasscourt season. Winning at Eastbourne, the 11th seed has breezed into the quarters. Yet to drop a set, the 24-year-old will be a barometer of Nadal’s chances. Fritz, for his part, will draw from his 6-3, 7-6 (5) Indian Wells win against the Spaniard.