INQUISITR.COM / Sports

Rafael Nadal Moves To Rio After Andy Murray Began Training In Mallorca For Olympics

By Jenny Cox
Published on: 03:03 PST, Aug 1, 2016

Rafael Nadal has moved his training to Rio after Andy Murray began his training in the Spaniard’s home island, Mallorca. It is plausible be that the former world No. 1 was spooked by the Wimbledon winner training in the same region, but considering how there are only four days till the start of Olympics, it’s high time that athletes started their move to Rio.

Despite the fact that he has flown all the way to South America in preparation for Rio Olympics, Rafael Nadal is not completely sure if his body will let him compete in the games.

“I will not be at the best level in any of the categories,” Rafa admitted according to Sky Sports. “I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot. I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team.”

He gave a pretty bleak view of his fitness, training, and future outlook, which means that, unless some miracle takes place in the next few days, it’s looking very unlikely that the Spaniard will be able to be competitive in the Olympics.

He might have felt the pressure when Andy Murray moved to Mallorca to continue his training after winning Wimbledon championships. The Scottish player skipped out on this year’s Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada, to focus on his training, recovery, and mental well-being so that he can perform his best in Rio.

Andy Murray is known for not being very active on social media, but considering how he snagged another title at Wimbledon 2016, he has been posting pictures filled with positive vibes on his Instagram.

Looks like training in Mallorca is boosting his positivity as well as his fitness levels!

Rafael Nadal was also in Mallorca around the same time, training with his uncle Tony and taking this opportunity to be close to his girlfriend of almost a decade, Maria Francisca Perello. During his home training, he sounded a bit more optimistic, hoping that the fact that he forewent French Open as well as Wimbledon this year gave him enough time to heal his wrist.

“I hope each day to go (progress) a little bit more and arrive in Rio well prepared, although as I always say there is nothing certain in this life,” Rafael Nadal said according to NBC Sports. “I feel fine, working and undergoing the recovery process. The time schedule is correct, there are two and a half weeks to go before we start to compete.”

He made sure that not being able to attend the major Opens this year did not bring down his mood. After announcing that he will miss Wimbledon, Rafael went ahead on a boating vacation with his girlfriend.

“Tennis ace Rafael Nadal was taking his mind off his ailment on Saturday as he soaked up the sun in Formentera, Spain with his long-term girlfriend Xisca Perello, 28,” reports Daily Mail. “Off the court, Rafael showed off his impressive form on a yacht, celebrating his 30th birthday in style with friends, instead of aggravating his sports injury.”

However, having Andy Murray training on the same island may have made him a feel a little bit more pressured in his regimen. Having competition so near can be damaging for intense athletic preparations!

Before revealing his pessimistic outlook on his participating in the upcoming Rio Olympics, Rafael Nadal was actually playing some solid tennis. He won championship titles at Rome Open and Monte Carlo, boosting himself up on the top five ATP ranking.

“We lament that his consistency has slipped,” a writer stated on Sports Illustrated. “But even that implies that he’s still capable of greatness. Even with a first round loss in Australia, he’s playing Top Five tennis in 2016. He appears to be healthy. And the next Grand Slam is one he’s claimed NINE times.”

What do you think are the chances that Rafael Nadal will compete in the Olympics, despite his stubbornly wounded wrist?

[Photo by Michel Euler/AP Images]

Share this article: Rafael Nadal Moves To Rio After Andy Murray Began Training In Mallorca For Olympics
Rio Olympics Andy Murray
More from Inquisitr