Rafa Nadal caught in Wimbledon storm over injury claims

Tennis star Fabio Fognini has appeared to sledge Rafa Nadal after accusing him of faking an injury in his remarkable quarter-final victory over Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon.

Nadal produced one of his all-time great escapes after pushing through his abdominal injury to defeat Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-4) in a four hour and 20 minute epic.

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The tennis world was left stunned when it appeared Nadal's father and sister were suggesting he retired as he struggled with his injury in the second set.

However, Nadal ignored their advice and battled through visible pain to clinch a super tiebreak in a dramatic fifth set and set up a clash with Aussie Nick Kyrgios in the semi-final.

Nadal went on to admit he wasn't 100 per cent sure he would be fit to face the Australian in the semi-final, but would be doing everything possible to be ready.

However, Nadal's injury didn't sit well with everyone in the tennis world.

Italian rival Fognini posted an article showing Nadal's perseverance through injury during his dramatic four hour and 20 minute triumph.

Fognini appeared to take exception to the headline and posted: "For sure. Guys stop believe in what you read. Please."

There were plenty of Nadal detractors that took to social media to accuse the Spaniard of gamesmanship and playing up his injury.

However, it is hard to accuse Nadal of playing up his injury considering his serve was considerably slower throughout the second and third set as he struggled with pain.

Nadal talked about the treatment he received on court after the match and said his injury wasn't easily fixed.

"The physio just tried to relax a little bit the muscle there. But it's difficult," he said.

"Nothing can be fixed when you have a thing like this."

Nadal admitted he 'hates' retiring and wanted to give himself the best chance of winning as he fought through the pain.

When asked in his on-court interview about facing Kyrgios, there was a chorus of pantomime boos when the Australian's name was mentioned.

An unsmiling Nadal said: "First thing, I hope to be ready to play ...

"Nick is a great player, but especially here on grass - it's going to be a big challenge. I'm going to have to be at 100 per cent."

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When asked if he'd be fit to play against Kyrgios, the Australian and French Open champion shrugged: "I don't know.

"Honestly, I can't give you a clear answer because if, tomorrow, another thing happens, I will be a liar.

"It's the player decision, but at the same time I need to know different opinions and need to check everything the proper way, no?

"Something more important than winning Wimbledon, that is the health. Let's see how this is going."

Nadal's energy was in stark contrast to Kyrgios, who claimed he was playing the best tennis of his career.

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