Rafael Nadal Injury Puts Wimbledon Quarterfinals Appearance At Risk

Late in the first set of Rafael Nadal’s match against Juan Del Potro, the doctor was called to look at the world No. 1’s foot. Nadal thought he might have to retire, but played to a 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory.

Now, the Spaniard is worried that his foot injury might cause him to withdraw from the grass tournament he won last year and in 2008. He will undergo an MRI on Tuesday before possibly meeting with American and world No. 10 Mardy Fish in the quarterfinals.

To hit my forehand was very tough. I felt something really strange when it was at 6-5 in the first set when I called to the trainer. I pushed hard with a forehand and I just felt something crush in the back of the foot. I didn’t know what went on. I changed the position of the foot so I was able to continue but with pain.

Nadal also said he felt something crush in the back of his foot.

The World No. 1 has a small history of Wimbledon injuries. He was unable to defend his 2008 title during the 2009 tournament from a knee injury.