Nadal joins Hurlingham line-up to prepare for SW19
RAFA NADAL will get his preparations for a third Wimbledon title tilt under way in London tomorrow, after becoming a late entry for the Aspall Classic.
The world No1, who moved back to the top spot following Roger Federer’s defeat in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle yesterday, had been scheduled to play at Queen’s.
But following medical advice in the wake of his 11th French Open, the Spaniard opted to forego the Fever-Tree Championships.
Instead, he will play this year’s Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung tomorrow at Hurlingham Club before They’re the three that I don’t see players to replace that style. It’s been proven over two or three years that the others can all be replaced.”
England have an extremely settled squad, with — form and fitness permitting — as many as 14 of the 15-man squad for the competition settled. When Stokes returns, one of the inform batsmen, most likely Alex Hales, will make way, while Chris Woakes expects to be fit to face India next month, too.
Those two, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, David Willey and Tom Curran provide seam options of variety, while Sam Curran and Craig Overton received ODI debuts in this series. There remains a possibility that Jofra Archer could be eligible, while Vaughan would like to see Warwickshire quick Olly Stone given an opportunity. facing Lucas Pouille, a previous Wimbledon quarter-finalist, on Friday.
“It’s always great to play in front of UK fans so I can’t wait to return,” said Nadal. “I’m working hard and this is the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon.”
Also testing out his fitness is Andy Murray. The former world No1 was today set to play only his second match since Wimbledon last year, against Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Nature Valley International.
Following the Eastbourne event, Murray will make a decision over his participation at Wimbledon, where he bowed out at the quarter-final stage a year ago after struggling with the hip injury which eventually led to him having surgery in January.
The form and fitness of some of the
“I think it’s worth trying out a few other players, particularly in the bowling department,” he said. “I wouldn’t be shy of trying Olly Stone. I wouldn’t be shy of trying a leg-spinner, give Mason Crane a couple of games, just in case Rashid picks up an i n j u r y. L e g- s p i n is so important in this era. Spinners who turn it both ways are invaluable.
“Just give a few players a few caps. You have to think about what-if scenarios. What if Adil Rashid gets injured? I know that sounds negative but it could happen. It’s about ticking every box and planning for every scenario.”
Vaughan, who captained the last England team to really appeal beyond the game’s core fanbase, believes this side has the opportunity to have a similar impact as his 2005 Ashes winners. With players like Buttler and Rashid in the side, it is easy to see why. leading lights of men’s tennis has hung in the balance in recent weeks.
Novak Djokovic appears to be edging back to better form but downplayed his own Wimbledon credentials after letting a match point slip in a 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 defeat by Marin Cilic in the final of the Fever-Tree Championships yesterday.
Djokovic, Wimbledon champion in 2011, 2014 and 2015, said: “I wouldn’t say I’m a contender for a trophy or anything like that. I have to keep my expectations very low, considering my results in the last 12 months.
“But I can definitely take a lot of positives out of this week. I’m really happy I’m able to play this way coming up to Wimbledon. I played the final and almost won it — it’s a great result.”
⬤