A clash between Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon semifinals had fans drooling. Even if the two players had banged together, we could have witnessed a classic between two excellent players. It’s gone.
• Also read: Rafael Nadal retires due to abdominal injury
• Also read: A final between Ons Jabeur and Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon
On Thursday night London time, Nadal was forced to retire after tearing a muscle in his stomach that he sustained during his match against Taylor Fritz.
Due to the Spaniard’s retirement, Kyrgios got his ticket to the grass tournament final on a silver platter. A situation he didn’t want.
“I didn’t want to reach the final like that,” said Nick Kyrgios during a press conference on Friday. As a competitor, I really wanted this game. After my win against (Cristian) Garin, I knew I had a good chance to face Rafa, who I’ve had good fights with in the past.
“I really wanted that third chapter at Wimbledon between the two of us. You never want to see a person like him suffer an injury like this. He’s having such a tough season.
“I hope he comes back. I’m sure I’ll meet him again at a big tournament. For me, after everything that’s happened, it’s exciting to have the chance to play in a Grand Slam final.”
disappointment
Kyrgios was having a meal with his team when he became aware of Nadal’s surrender.
“I was a bit disappointed. My energy was focused on competing against Rafa. I had already made a strategy for our game.
“It was certainly very difficult for him to make such a decision. Certainly there’s a part of him that wanted to play. He has hardly lost a match this year. He certainly wanted to try and win the four Majors.
Kyrgios will be able to benefit from a three-day break ahead of the final. An unusual situation in a Grand Slam tournament.
“I had a good routine from the start of the tournament. Having another day off is kind of a shock in the system because I’ve played multiple games.
“I’m going to try to expand one of my training sessions to help me fight it. When you compete in a Grand Slam, you want to play this type of match. I need to find my adrenaline without having played the semifinals.
Good relationship with Djokovic
Kyrgios could face Novak Djokovic in the final. Earlier in the year we recall that the Australian pledged his support while the Serb had his hands full with the Australian authorities.
“We have a kind of ‘bromance’ together now,” Kyrgios said. which is strange.
“Every time we faced each other, there was a lot of excitement. It was interesting for journalists and amateurs. I’m the only player who supported him in his efforts during the Australian Open.
“I earned his respect there, but not on a tennis court. We regularly write to each other via private messages on Instagram.
Earlier in the week, Djokovic encouraged him on the way to the final. It’s not trivial. Kyrgios is ready for the Serb, but also for the British Cameron Norrie.
“Cam’s rise is incredible,” said Kyrgios. Anyway, I’ll be curious. A Kyrgios Djokovic final would be incredible. He would be the favorite and I will prepare for him.
“At the same time, I’m not taking Cameron Norrie out of the equation.”
Win or lose on Sunday, Kyrgios is guaranteed to bag $1.9 million. A nice sum for two weeks of work.