“Don’t Know Whether I will Play”: Rafael Nadal Raises Doubts Over Tokyo Olympics 2021 Participation

The Tokyo Olympics 2021 will begin in late July and will extend till early August. However, many players are not sure whether they will play at the Olympic Games- keeping in mind the current situation. The coronavirus pandemic is still not over yet and most of them including Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal are not ready to take a risk at this point of time.

In a recent interview, World No.3 Rafael Nadal revealed that he is not sure if he will play at the Tokyo Olympics. The Spaniard mentioned it is important for him, but it is not the right time. In addition, he stated that he would have surely played there if the situation would have been ideal.

“I don’t know whether I will play at the Olympics. In the normal world, there wouldn’t be any doubt, all of you know how important it is for me,” said Nadal in the interview.

As of now, Nadal has won two Olympic Gold medals. He won the first one in 2008 in the singles category while he won the second one in 2016 in the doubles category along with his partner Marc Lopez.

“Have to be flexible”- Rafael Nadal

Nadal highlighted that he is not withdrawing from the Olympic Games right now. However, he is waiting for the right time to make a decision and believes and everyone should be a little flexible.

“Let’s see what happens, we have to be flexible,” added the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Apart from Rafa, Serena Williams is also unsure whether she will travel to Japan for the Olympic Games this year or not. World No.2 Naomi Osaka also raised concerns over the Olympic Games, especially when the pandemic is still going on.

Rafael Nadal will begin his Italian Open 2021 campaign soon. After losing to Alexander Zverev in straight sets at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021, Rafa will be hungry for a Masters 1000 title. Will the Spaniard be able to conquer Rome this year and regain his second spot in the ATP rankings?

Also Read: “Putting People at Risk”: Naomi Osaka Believes Dates of Tokyo Olympics 2021 Should be Re-Considered