Nadal driven on by flag day pride

RIO DE JANEIRO: Rafael Nadal admitted the fear of losing the chance to carry Spain’s flag at an Olympic Games opening ceremony for the second time has driven him into competing here, despite serious fears over his injured left wrist.

The 30-year-old Nadal was due to lead his team out at the London Games in 2012 but a knee injury forced him out of the tournament where he had been due to defend his gold medal.

Basketball star Pau Gasol took over flag-bearing duties instead.

Four years on, 14-time major winner Nadal is injured again, this time nursing a damaged left wrist which has kept him off tour since the French Open in May.

“The Olympic Games are the most important sports event. They are something unique and different,” said Nadal who is scheduled to lead Spain out at Friday’s opening ceremony.

“Clearly, it’s another plus to be the flag-bearer and I have already had to give it up in London. To give it it up two times in a row would have been very hard and has of course influence my decision to compete.”