Rafael Nadal came through abdominal pain to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon for the eighth time in his career. After over four hours of gripping drama that ebbed and flowed, the Spaniard defeated Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 3–6, 7-5, 7-6(10-4). He is fighting to be fit in order to take to the court for a mouthwatering semi-final with Nick Kyrgios on Friday.
While many have applauded Nadal for portraying yet another example of never giving up and fighting through the pain, Fabio Fognini, who exited Wimbledon in the first round, wasn't buying his injury story. In response to an article about Nadal's latest triumph, the 35-year-old Italian took to Instagram to underline part of the headline that said he fought back from injury and wrote underneath: "For sure. Guys stop believe in what you read PLEASE!!!"
Nadal's fitness has been questioned in the past, as cyclist Thibaut Pinot criticised his use of cortisone injections throughout the French Open last month, which are banned in his sport.
