“Isn’t he injured? Is he limping?” Fans worry about Rafael Nadal’s fitness concerns ahead of US Open as new practice clip surfaces

It’s a hard fact to deny watching Rafael Nadal doesn’t send down an enthusiastic bone-chilling moment for anyone and that’s what fans have experienced seeing the Spaniard during a practice session at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially after the pro has been absent from the Flushing Meadows showdown nearing 3 years.

Rafa, who has also coined the nickname King of Clay, much owing to his ridiculously earned 14 French Open titles. With his latest Flushing Meadows slam won back in 2019, he is hopefully anticipated to be adding his fifth US Open crown this season. Furthermore, this exuberant tennis professional holds onto his mantle the most number of grand slams ever won in men’s tennis history, namely 22 grand slams in just over 21 years since he turned pro.

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‘Vamos Rafa’- Mixed reactions from fans as Rafa’s latest practice video on Arthur Ashe goes viral

Whilst fans are indefinitely worried about the Spaniard’s upcoming performance, Twitter was witnessed having heaps of mixed reactions from fans.

Let’s look at some of them:

Rafa, although a worthy and formidable opponent has been faced with his recent and ongoing abdominal issue which later aggravated to a full-fledged abdominal tear in his quarterfinal victory against Taylor Fritz back in Wimbledon and also cost him a potential win over Borna Coric in Cincinnati Masters.

His nature for ruggedly clawing for every point and disregarding his body by going out of his comfort zone to gain what potentially other players seem to lack when it comes to matches stretching for long hours under tormenting weather conditions is what gave birth to the injury initially. However, now seen playing at the courts of the US Open, the biggest question and fear arising in the minds of the Spaniard’s fans is whether he can make it through the championship without escalating the injury which might hinder his performance or result in his withdrawal from the tournament.

Nevertheless, Spain’s Raging Bull serves at the absolute distinction of pure dominance and a lethal combination of topspin gameplay coupled with a defensive percentage play which portrays the evident fact that he is strenuous to beat on any given court surface, furthermore frustrating his opponent to give in by testing their on-court endurance so there is no doubt in accessing the fact that is very difficult to beat even if he is not seen performing at his level best.

Both tennis professionals and fans cherish his underdog mentality and it is no news that Rafael Nadal is seen rocking with vibrant colours which is expected to be witnessed again as the championship begins.

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Written By- Aarav Gill