Tennis: Rafael Nadal to play at Olympic Games despite wrist problem

Former world number one Rafael Nadal, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal, is ready to play at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro despire a wrist injury. He missed the 2012 Olympics in London due to a fitness issue but now, despite a wrist problem, he is set to be Spain's flag-bearer in Rio. Fellow Spanish tennis player David Ferrer said Nadal will definitely make the trip to Brazil while Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni, says Rafa's fitness is encouraging. Ferrer said: “I will travel with Rafa on Sunday to Rio. His situation is more delicate. It's never easy to come back after an injury. He will see how he feels.” Rafael Nadal is scheduled to play in all tennis events in Rio: singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles. Toni Nadal said: “We began to intensify his training in order to be ready in time for the first round. Training with Andy Murray was a really hard first time with another top player and we are happy. Things worked out well. In Rio we will start training with the maximum-level players and see how Rafael will respond to the difficulty of the competition. There are doubts about his game. I believe that is normal – these are the same questions we've always had after a period of inactivity. Starting with the Olympics is not easy but, if we are lucky in the draw, he can improve step by step.” Rafael Nadal is 14/1 at BetFred to win the Olympic tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro.