Rafael Nadal admits to wrist injury concern as Europe take command on day one of Laver Cup

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal press conference at Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal is ‘hopeful’ his wrist injury will not keep him out of the Laver Cup as his European team-mares took command on day one of the tournament.

Nadal was the only player in the European team not to play a match in day one.

TV images picked up heavy strapping on his left wrist as he supported his team in Geneva, prompting fears the recently-crowned US Open champion was carrying an injury.

However, he says his body is ‘just a little bit down,’ and he is likely to take his place in the line-up for Saturday.

“Hopefully not,” Nadal told broadcaster Mark Petchy in a courtside interview when asked if the injury would keep him out of the tournament.

“Let’s see tomorrow how things go. After New York, the body always feels down a little bit.

“Some issues can happen but here I am. I’m trying hard to be ready for when the team need me.

“Let’s see. All of the matches are very difficult.

“If I am not at 100 per cent, there is another player. But I am confident I can help.”

Nadal is scheduled to play two matches on day two, both in the night session.

First he plays Milos Raonic in singles before teaming with Stefanos Tsitsipas for a doubles clash with Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock of Team World.

Europe will take a commanding 3-1 lead into day two after Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev won a key doubles match.

They overcame Sock and Denis Shapovalov at Palexpo in Geneva, fighting off a remarkable 15 out of 16 break points along the way.

Earlier in the day, Dominic Thiem and Tsitsipas won singles matches against Shapovalov and Taylor Fritz respectively, with Sock gaining Team World’s solitary point against Fabio Fognini.

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