Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will represent Spain at this month’s Olympics despite concerns over his fitness.
The 30-year-old has not played a competitive match since withdrawing from the French Open at the third round stage due to an injury to his left wrist.
The 14-time Grand Slam winner, who claimed Olympic gold in the men’s singles during his last appearance at the Games in Beijing eight years ago, had been unsure whether he would participate in Rio de Janeiro, but has now confirmed he is ready to play.
“After discussing it with my team, I have decided I will play everything that I can,” he said.
“We are here and practice has gone well – more or less. It’s not an ideal situation, there are always risks, but the MRI scan was OK.”
Nadal faces a gruelling schedule in Brazil, as he is due to participate in the singles, the men’s doubles with Marc Lopez, and the mixed doubles alongside reigning French Open champion Garbine Muguruza.
The world number five, who missed the 2012 Games in London due to a knee injury, will also be his country’s flag bearer at the tournament’s opening ceremony on Friday.
The Spaniard will also be looking to improve his fitness in Rio, as the final major of the year, the US Open, is due to begin in New York later this month.
Nadal is a two-time winner at Flushing Meadows and he is available at 23.00 to secure his third title at this year’s event.
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