Rafael Nadal had to pull out of the French Open 2016 early because of an injury he sustained in his left wrist. Nadal could not participate in Wimbledon 2016 as well. Currently, he is recovering from the same injury and is likely to feature in the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016.
Nadal is supposed to be Spain's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics on August 5. But, the 14-time Grand Slam title winner, is yet to get the nod from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as he has failed to meet the qualifying criteria.
Nadal was also seen back in training in Mallorca with a tape on his wrist a few days ago. But the president of Spain's Olympic Committee Alejandro Blanco is confident that Nadal will be playing at the Rio Games in August.
"Nadal's commitment is total and he will go to Rio to participate. I have no doubts over his participation. He is training regularly in order to achieve what he wants -- a medal," Blanco was quoted as saying by AFP.
If he makes it to the Rio Olympics, then the 14-time Grand Slam champion is expected to play in the men's singles and mixed doubles, with French Open champion Garbine Muruguza. Nadal could also be seen in the men's doubles with Marc Lopez.
Nadal was earlier surprised with the decision that the Olympics tennis event will be played on the hard courts, given that Brazil's traditional surface is clay, also the Spaniard's favourite.
The challenge for Nadal will be to find his form of old. The Spaniard won the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He had to pull out of the London Olympics in 2012 because of a knee injury.
