Rafa Nadal doubters humbled after horror Wimbledon injury drama

Rafa Nadal's withdrawal from Wimbledon has served up some humble pie to his detractors who claimed the Spaniard wasn't injured despite his visible pain in his epic quarter-final victory.

Fabio Fognini appeared to lead the the criticism of Nadal after the Spaniard clutched at his abdomen during his four hour and 20 minute victory against Taylor Fritz in the quarters.

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The Spaniard was in clear discomfort and it prompted Nadal's father and sister - supporting him in his player's box - to call for him to retire.

However, Nadal remained on court and found a way to overcome the spirited Fritz and set up a showdown with Nick Kyrgios.

In his post-match press conference, Nadal admitted he wasn't 100 per cent sure he would be able to compete against Kyrgios in the semi-final.

This didn't stop former player Fognini appearing to question if Nadal was injured, despite later backtracking to claim he wasn't sledging the Spaniard.

Nadal also drew criticism on social media with detractors accusing him of gamesmanship.

However, Nadal's critics have been proven wrong after the 22-time grand slam champion revealed he would have to give up his dream of a calendar Grand Slam due to a tear in his abdomen.

“As you can imagine, I am here because I have to pull out from the tournament," Nadal said in a press conference he hastily called.

"As everybody saw yesterday, I have been suffering with pain in my abdomen.

"It wasn’t okay then, and now it’s confirmed. I have a tear in the abdominal muscle. The communication is too late. I was thinking the whole day about the decision to make, but I think it doesn’t make sense [to continue]. Very tough circumstances; it’s obvious that if I keep going, the injury will worsen.

"I’m very sad to say that."

Nadal was questioned on why he didn't retire during the match if he felt he might not be able to compete after.

However, the Spaniard went on to say he was 'proud' he found a way to finish the match to give himself every chance to compete in 48 hours.

Tennis world reacts to Rafa Nadal skeptics

The tennis world was quick to react on social media over the storm that surrounded Nadal after the thrilling quarter-final victory.

Many claimed it was a 'shame' fans were left questioning Nadal in the quarter-final considering he is one of the sport's greatest ever ambassadors.

The tennis world also claimed his comeback victory was even more spectacular considering he suffered a 'seven millimetre' tear in his abdomen

Fritz was also quick to silence doubters over whether Nadal was injured in his post-match press conference.

The American admitted he could tell Nadal was in pain and discounted any room of gamesmanship.

Nadal's tough withdrawal means Kyrgios gets a walkover to make his first Wimbledon Final.

And the Australian showed his respect to his fierce rival.

"Different players, different personalities," he wrote.

"Rafael Nadal, I hope your recovery goes well and we all hope to see you healthy soon. Till next time."

The Instagram caption was accompanied with a photo of the pair shaking hands from a previous match.

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