With just a few short days remaining before the 2016 Rio Olympics kick off, Rafael Nadal's wrist issues may keep him out of singles competition. 

Still smarting

The wrist injury that forced the world number five to withdraw from Wimbledon has still not regained its maximum strength. That complication could have calamitous effects for Nadal in Rio. After weeks of continued training to rebuild his strength, there remains significant worry that the injury bug will still keep the Spaniard from fully competing.

What is known, however, is that Nadal is still due to compete in the Olympics in Brazil in some capacity. He made it official recently when he that he would play mixed doubles with Garbine Muguruza with hopes of bringing Spain Olympic Gold. Nadal will also be a flag bearer during the opening ceremony.  

Due to injury concerns, Rafael Nadal recently canceled a scheduled practice with Andy Murray. (Photo: Getty Images)
Due to injury concerns, Rafael Nadal recently canceled a scheduled practice with Andy Murray. (Photo: Getty Images)

But despite his confidence in participating in doubles play, the worrying over his wrist will remain. Not long ago, the former world number one and Olympic gold medalist announced he was confident he would fully participate in the Summer Games. He poured significant work over the last few months in rehab to rebuild strength from the wrist that forced his leave from the French Open. With just over a week to go until the games start, Nadal cancelled his planned training with fellow top five player  Andy Murray. That has thrown preparation for the Olympics into flux. 

One thing is sure, fans are clamoring for more star power in Rio this year. Stars such as Nick Kyrgios, Milos Raonic, Bernard Tomic and John Isner have previously announced they are skipping the Olympic Games for a litany of reasons. The Australian duo of Kyrgios and Tomic have regularly clashed with officials in their country and Kyrgios has dropped out due to those differences. Isner and others, however, are more concerned with the fact ATP ranking points will not be offered in competition this year. 

Perhaps the biggest blow came today, however. Roger Federer, like Nadal, and icon of the sport, announced that he will also skip the summer games as well. His twice-injured knee has forced him out of Rio in a move that will prove a significant loss for fans. 

A number of players have dropped out. Losing Nadal would be a significant blow. 

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