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The question of the tournament remains unanswered: Will Rafa play at Wimbledon or not?

Rafael Nadal played an exhibition match against Lleyton Hewitt today at London’s Hurlingham Club and things did not go well for the Spaniard. CBSSports.com reports that Rafa, who is suffering from tendinitis in both knees, was “limited” during his loss to Hewitt, 6-4. 6-3. The Spaniard “looked a step slow” and made a number of unforced errors.

Nadal is scheduled to play another exo match against Stanislas Wawrinka tomorrow.

Here’s the money quote from Uncle Toni:

“It’s the first match (on grass), and we’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” Toni Nadal said. “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow, and we’ll see then.”

When pressed about Nadal’s chances of playing at Wimbledon, his coach did not sound optimistic.

“If it’s me, I’m (flying) to Mallorca,” he said, referring to the island Nadal grew up on.

This comes after the promising news yesterday that Nadal and Andy Murray practiced together at Wimbledon. Andy Murray told The Telegraph afterwards: “Rafa was hitting the ball well.”

*UPDATE* Via Rafa’s website:

“I love to play at the Hurlingham Club. Today’s match was a real test, as close to reality as it could get. I will come back and play again and then make my decision about playing at Wimbledon or not.”

Rafa will hold a press conference tomorrow after his match, where he should announce his final decision re: Wimbledon. Come on Stan, let Rafa win tomorrow and get some confidence! The tennis world needs Nadal on Centre Court!