Rafael Nadal says he ‘almost destroyed wrist at 2016 French Open’

Rafael Nadal withdrew from last year’s French Open with a left wrist injury on the eve of his third round match, going on to miss Wimbledon before returning for the Rio Olympics.

Rafael Nadal admitted on Thursday that he almost “destroyed” his wrist at last year’s French Open, as he relived the pain which forced him to abandon his pursuit of a 10th Roland Garros title.

Rafael Nadal, also known as the ‘King of Clay’, has won the French Open title for a record nine times. (Getty Images)

The Spanish star withdrew from the 2016 tournament with a left wrist injury on the eve of his third round match, going on to miss Wimbledon before returning for the Rio Olympics.

(Read | Rafael Nadal eyes 10th French Open title as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray struggle)

“It was not a decision -- it was an obligation. I almost destroyed my wrist at Roland Garros,” Nadal told Eurosport on Thursday.

“What seemed doable on Monday was more difficult on Friday. I was playing well and pushed further until my wrist said ‘no’. After that, the rest of the year was complicated.”

(Read | A dream come true to have Andre Agassi as coach: Novak Djokovic)

Nadal is bidding to win the French Open for a 10th time and is considered the leading favourite after clinching clay court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid already this year.

(Read | Roger Federer to skip French Open; focus on grass, hard courts)

He also reached his first Grand Slam final in three years in Australia in January where he lost in three sets to old rival Roger Federer who is skipping Roland Garros.

“My forehand is getting better and better. The rest of my game is working well and there aren’t too many ups and downs at the moment,” said the 30-year-old Nadal whose record in Paris reads nine titles, 72 match wins and just two defeats.