The Olympic spirit appears to be inspiring Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, 30. Even though he hasn't been at a full 100% physically since a wrist injury removed him from the courts more than two months ago, the player, formerly number one in the world and currently ranked fifth on the list, has been working hard to compete in the Rio Games.

"The Olympic Games is the most important event in the world of sport. If you don't want to be at the most important event in world sports, then it's difficult to understand what your motivation is for the rest of things", declared the Spaniard in May after other athletes had dropped out of the Games.

Nadal could get his second gold medal in this Olympics. He won his first gold in the singles tournament in Beijing-2008, at the age of 22.

At the entrance to the Rio Olympic Village, he willingly made himself available for photos with volunteers and other athletes - many of the photos ended up on social networks.

Nearly 12 hours after disembarking, he could be seen smiling on the bus that was taking the Spanish team to training on Monday morning (the 1st). On the court, he played 'keepie-uppie' with a tennis ball before returning it to the Austrians who were training in the next court.

From what he showed during training, his wrist is no longer a problem. His left-hand slams were powerful and so was his serve.

The Spanish captain played down the sun and the heat on the courts in the Tennis Center. "We have this in Spain too. When we played here in February it was much hotter", he said.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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	Roberto Schmidt/AFP
	Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand during a tennis practice session at the Olympic park in Rio de Janeiro