Rafael Nadal: Tennis Great Makes Right Decision by Resting Knee Injury

Rafael Nadal, being the competitor that he is, could have easily fallen into the trap of trying to get onto the court as soon as possible after his knee injury.
He's an 11-time Grand Slam singles champion, after all, and 11-time Grand Slam singles champions tend to go all out, all the time.
But Nadal noted in a statement on Monday that he would miss at least another two months after a torn patella tendon forced him to miss the London Olympics and the U.S. Open this year (via tennis.com)

I have missed the Olympics and the US Open in the last few weeks, two of the most important tournaments of the year and that I really wanted to play. I really want to be back competing and enjoying the tennis tour, but I have many years in front of me and my knee needs some rest. I will be back when I have no pain and able to compete with guarantee.

It will save the 26-year-old down the line.


We are all aware of Nadal's furious game, the kind of game that had many predicting his physical collapse well before it actually happened this year. As much as Nadal's lightning-fast court coverage has helped him throughout his career, it also was a matter of time before it would come back to bite him.
By taking this time off, Nadal misses the events he loves, but he gives himself a chance to have a lengthier career and a better shot at more Grand Slam singles titles. It's the right move, and one that is more difficult for tennis players to make than you can possibly imagine.

In Nadal's case, in particular, a rest was almost needed if he expected to still be dominant at the age of 30. Sure, Roger Federer is still going strong, but his style of play has resembled more grace than power throughout the years. He's a different player.
Given the Spaniard's two-month time frame, he could potentially return for the Barclay's ATP World Tour Finals held in London in early November. But even that would be a stretch and Nadal should hold out.
There is no use risking further injury this year. He needs to make sure he's 100 percent healthy before returning to the court again, no matter how much his competitive spirit drives him.
This is a pivotal point in Nadal's career. He's lived dangerously for so many years. Now it's time to rest, something that is completely foreign to him.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1323154-rafael-nadal-tennis-great-makes-right-decision-by-resting-knee-injury