His left wrist was wrapped in a black cast with beard stubble sprouting on his face as Rafael Nadal made his tournament return today.
Nadal, who was forced to withdraw from Roland Garros due to the left wrist injury, visited the Mallorca Open as a spectator along with his coach and uncle, Toni Nadal.
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The nine-time Roland Garros champion's wrist is progressing, according to uncle Toni.
Nadal, who pulled out of Wimbledon, is aiming to resume on-court practice in two weeks time while targeting a return to tournament tennis at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, starting on July 23rd.
“My nephew is here at the tournament to watch some tennis," uncle Toni told the Mallorca Open website. "The Spanish Federation doctor came today as well and checked how is everything going. Everything is going fine. Ángel Ruiz Cotorro has said that he can start to do some work, no on court yet, but he can start with some strengthen work in order to readapt progressively. In two weeks we will be able to start practicing.”
The 2008 Olympic gold medal champion hopes to use Toronto as preparation for the Rio Olympics, where he plans an ambitious schedule, including a mixed doubles pairing with Roland Garros champion Garbine Muguruza.
“The plan is to go to Toronto, which I think will be very good for us," Toni Nadal said. "If Rafael goes there will mean that you are in perfect conditions to play. Will be a great preparation for the Olympics too, practicing with top players there.
“Until Rio, we have a month and a half so Rafael will have very good 20 days to get ready.”
Photo credit: Mallorca Open