Daniil Medvedev’s Wimbledon preparation is coming along quite nicely. After making the final in S-Hertogenbosch, the World No. 1 reached another final in Halle, where he will meet Hubert Hurkacz.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal – fresh off another French Open title – is continuing his preparation as he plans to return to Wimbledon for the first time in three years.
British superstar Andy Murray is still hoping to play at his home Grand Slam after suffering an abdominal injury. But unfortunately, a couple of top ATP Tour stars in Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem will not be competing at the All England Club as they have withdrawn from the tournament.
Read on below as SBOTOP serves up the latest Wimbledon 2022 news on the ATP Tour.
Medvedev hoping to head into Wimbledon on a high
Daniil Medvedev has reached his second ATP Tour final in as many weeks after beating Oscar Otte to reach the final at Halle.
Medvedev, who has made his way back to the No. 1 spot after losing it in March, had to stave off a set point and was taken to a tiebreak in the first set, but he rallied in the second to secure a 7-6(3), 6-3 semi-final win against the German Otte.
The Russian is now off to his second consecutive final after reaching the championship match in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where he suffered a surprising straight-sets defeat to Dutchman Tim van Rijthoven.
Medvedev, who lost in the first round last year in Halle, was pleased with his performance as he improved to 14-2 on grass since that defeat.
“I didn’t play well in Halle last year, so I’m happy that this year I managed to raise my level,” said Medvedev. “As I’ve always said, I love playing on grass, so I’m happy to show to myself that I’m capable of being in the final of one of the greatest tournaments, especially on grass, and of course I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Medvedev will now go on to meet fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz, who came from behind to get past wild card Nick Kyrgios in three sets.
Rafael Nadal excited about Wimbledon return
After conquering Roland Garros once again, Rafael Nadal is now getting ready to make his long-awaited return to Wimbledon.
The Spaniard, who hasn’t featured in the grass-court Grand Slam since his 2019 semi-final defeat to Roger Federer, has been pleased with his progress after undergoing treatment on his troublesome foot issue.
“I’m happy. I haven’t limped for a week and the evolution of training is progressing,” said Nadal. “From day to day the pain has been different and that’s progress. I have to wait a little. My intention is to try and play Wimbledon and this week has told me there is a chance.
“I’ve had two treatment sessions, as was planned. At the moment the progress, as I see it, is satisfactory,” he added.
Nadal remains cautious about his chances of playing in Wimbledon, but he is nevertheless eager to compete at the All-England Court for the first time in three years.
“I’m prudent because I know that things change. At the moment, I’ve been able to train over these five days. That’s progress and it allows me to return to Wimbledon after three years. I’m excited about it. It’s a question of taking it day by day, but giving myself a chance to compete.”
Andy Murray faces race to get fit for Wimbledon
Andy Murray’s hopes of being able to play at Wimbledon are in some doubt as he was forced to withdraw from Queen’s due to an abdominal injury he picked up in the Stuttgart final, which he lost.
Murray made the announcement of his withdrawal from Queen’s after undergoing scans on his abdomen in London.
“After having a scan this afternoon, an abdominal injury means I won’t be fit to compete at Queen’s this year,” said Murray in a statement. “The tournament means a lot to me, and it’s disappointing not to compete, especially after playing some good matches on the grass already.”
The 35-year-old Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion (2013, 2016), is having a resurgent season. He has already reached two finals and defeated World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to the final in Stuttgart.
Although his Wimbledon 2022 odds of going deep in the tournament aren’t great, he has shown he is still capable of springing a big surprise.
Zverev, Thiem withdraw from Wimbledon
While Murray’s status for Wimbledon remains up in the air, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem have officially withdrawn from the competition.
World No. 2 Zverev tore ligaments in his right ankle in his French Open semi-final clash against eventual champion Rafael Nadal. Zverev announced on social media on 8 June that he underwent surgery on the injury.
Meanwhile, former World No. 3 Thiem has also opted out of the Grand Slam. The Austrian has gone 0-6 since returning to the ATP Tour in April after nine months out with a wrist injury and has decided to skip the grass season as he looks to rediscover his best form.
Both Zverev and Thiem have not gone past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Zverev reached the fourth round twice (2017 and 2021). Thiem also made the fourth round in 2017 but has not won at Wimbledon since.
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