Audio By Carbonatix
Stan Wawrinka says Rafael Nadal "looks like normal Rafa" after the Spaniard won his first grass-court match in three years as part of his Wimbledon preparations.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion beat Swiss Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 in an exhibition match at Hurlingham on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old's participation at Wimbledon had been in doubt because of a chronic foot injury.
"It has been a while without playing on grass," Nadal said.
Nadal practised with last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini on Centre Court on Thursday.
He practised on the Mallorca grass courts after having treatment on his left foot before arriving in London on Monday.
Nadal has not played at Wimbledon since 2019 having missed last year's tournament to give his body time to rest following the French Open. The 2020 event was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I am older now - I can't manage to play so many matches," Nadal said following his win over Wawrinka.
"For me it is perfect to play a couple of matches here before Wimbledon starts. That helps me to feel at least some competition before Wimbledon."
Nadal's last competitive match on grass was his 2019 Wimbledon semi-final against Roger Federer, which his long-time rival won in four sets.
He started the year in stunning fashion, winning the Australian Open to secure a men's record 21st Grand Slam title, before claiming a 14th French Open trophy last month.
"I don't know how he is feeling, it looks like normal Rafa," Wawrinka, who has been given a singles wildcard for Wimbledon, said.
"He has been saying he is feeling better and if he is playing he is ready to play his best and to win."
Three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic also triumphed at Hurlingham Club on Wednesday, beating Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2 6-1.
Latest Stories
-
UK Fire Aid donates fire tender, equipment to GNFS to boost emergency response
3 hours -
Man’s hand severed in cutlass clash at Akyem Nkwanum
3 hours -
McIlroy ‘more motivated than ever’ before return
3 hours -
No clear law governs re-arrest of discharged suspects – Justice Abdulai on Hanan, wife re-arrest
3 hours -
GES releases 2026/27 academic calendar; BECE set for May 2027
3 hours -
UCL: PSG beat Bayern on aggregate to set up final against Arsenal
4 hours -
Tariq Lamptey set to have Fiorentina contract terminated – Reports
4 hours -
Four burnt to death in head-on collision at Anyinasin Junction
4 hours -
Ghana, UAE agree to deepen energy and investment cooperation
4 hours -
Old Tafo Assembly cracks down on encroachment at Atimatim Junction
4 hours -
FIFA impose worldwide ban on Benfica’s Prestianni
5 hours -
Kasoa hillside residents fear erosion as climate change intensifies rainfall, experts call for urgent action
5 hours -
Stalled Kumasi, Takoradi market projects to resume as gov’t moves to secure funding
5 hours -
NPP demands release of Hanan Abdul-Wahab, wife, cites abuse of power by EOCO
7 hours -
GES warns schools against unauthorised fee collection from students
7 hours