Rafael Nadal gives Wimbledon fitness update as he bids to win third successive Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal has declared himself 'happy' with his fitness as he continues his bid to secure a calendar Grand Slam at Wimbledon next week.

Nadal, 36, has defied injury problems to enjoy a fairytale year so far, winning the Australian Open just weeks after returning from a foot problem that curtailed his 2021 season. But his form was halted during his final defeat to Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells, confirming afterwards he'd suffered a stress fracture to his rib.

That made for hampered preparation for the French Open, but the 'King of Clay' prevailed for the 14th time at Roland Garros, beating Casper Ruud to claim his 22nd Grand Slam crown. During the tournament, the problems with his left foot resurfaced, with Nadal needing regular injections to numb the pain.

It cast doubt on his participation at SW19, but two days before his first round match with Argentinian player Francisco Cerundolo, the Mallorca man told reporters the situation had improved. However, he was cautious as to whether the pain relief would prove short-term.

“It’s obvious that, if I am here, it’s because things are going better,” said Nadal, via Tennis365. “If not, I would not be here. So I’m quite happy about things, how they evolved.

"I can’t be super happy because I don’t know what can happen. But I only can speak about the feelings that I am having in the last two weeks."

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