By: Eric Tian

On Wednesday, June 22nd, at 2:30pm, Rafael Nadal, the 22-time grand slam champion beat Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 in an exhibition match at Hurlingham. The 36-year-old’s participation at Wimbledon had been in doubt because he had a chronic foot injury; people who have this usually experience constant discomfort and a lower quality of life. “ It has been a while without playing on grass,” Nadal said.

Nadal hasn’t 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 canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I am older now – I can’t manage to play so many matches,” Nadal said following after he beat Wawrinka.

Nadal’s last competitive match was three years ago at Wimbledon playing his rival, Roger Federer. Nadal beat Federer by four sets. He started the year in stunning fashion by winning the Australian Open to secure a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title, before claiming the 14th French Open trophy last month.

“He has been saying he is feeling better and if he is playing he is ready to play his best and to win.” “I don’t know how he is feeling, it looks like normal Rafal, ” said Wawrinka.