Wimbledon - Nadal receives injury boost

Fears of defending champion Rafael Nadal's Wimbledon campaign ending prematurely has been eased as reports suggest his ankle injury, sustained during his fourth-round victory against Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, isn't serious.

The Spaniard seemed to be in quite some pain for a major part of his 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory against Del Porto, after an ugly slip resulted in an ankle problem. He took a medical timeout and returned though he had to adjust his game so as to not aggravate the injury.

On Tuesday, the Spaniard underwent a scan and, according to a report in BBC Sport, is set to practice, suggesting the injury isn't as serious as feared and will face American Mardy Fish in the quarters.

The source quoted in the BBC Sport report said, Early indications are that Nadal's injury is not serious and he will be able to play tomorrow. However, we are still awaiting the official result of his MRI scan.

On Monday, after his victory, Nadal didn't seem too optimistic about the injury. He had said, I don't know what the problem is, I will get it checked out. I'm worried for sure. At one moment at the end of the first set I thought I might have to retire

To hit my forehand was very tough. I felt something really strange when it was at 6-5 in the first set when I called to the trainer. I pushed hard with a forehand and I just felt something crush in the back of the foot. I didn't know what went on.

I changed the position of the foot so I was able to continue, but with pain.

The medical timeout, which took 10 minutes, the 25-year-old had his foot strapped by the trainer.

With the tape it changed the direction of the support and it didn't hurt me that much, he added.

Del Potro, though defeated, performed admirably despite having his own injury scare when he slipped, fell and hurt his hip in the third set. He remained lying on the court, grimacing in pain and was eventually escorted to the player's room for treatment. However, he came back within minutes to resume his challenge though he seemed uncomfortable since.