“Not a Whim”: Pablo Carreno Busta Defends Rafael Nadal on his Withdrawal From Tokyo Olympics 2020

Pablo Carreno Busta is all set to make his Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Spanish International garnered attention after his impressive campaign in the 2021 Hamburg Open.

He beat Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic with an impressive attacking display in the finals. Throughout the tournament, the 30-year-old looked dominant and maintained his lethal form.

His title-deciding match was no different as he won the game in straight sets, whitewashing his opponent. Now, all eyes turn to the Summer Olympic games as the Hamburg Open champion travels to Tokyo. However, ahead of his debut at the tournament, the World No. 15 reflects upon the absence of his fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion announced his withdrawal from the tournament earlier this year. Although he withdrew from the 2021 Wimbledon championship too, fans expected him to make a return at the tournament in September.

Hence, he continued to be a big part of the Olympic conversation. Speaking on Nadal’s decision, Filip said, “Of course, you have thought about it a lot and what is best for your career,”

“It is not a whim”- Filip Krajinovic

Rafael Nadal was last seen in the 2021 French Open semi-finals. Ever since his exit, speculations of his retirement have been on the rise.

Regardless, Filip believes it was a rather tough than a spontaneous decision from Nadal to not take part in the Olympic games. “Rafa in the end, it is a 34 or 35 year old player who has already won two gold medals, one individual and one in doubles. He played a lot throughout his career. But he had already abandoned Wimbledon. It was certainly not a whim,”

Rafa’s last outing was an enthralling battle. In the semi-finals of the Roland Garros, he faced World No.1, Novak Djokovic. The two ‘G.O.A.T’s put on an exuberant display of tennis.

After relentless attacks from both ends, they took the game to a 4th and final set. However, to everyone’s surprise, the King of Clay was dethroned from his title as the game ended in the scoreline 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 in favor of Novak Djokovic.

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Rafael Nadal returns to the court

Anxious fans will finally be at ease as Rafael Nadal will return to the court at the ATP 500 event in Washington. This will be Rafa’s first appearance at the tournament.

He will kick-start his journey to the US Open to claim yet another title. However, even as rumors of his retirement continue to spiral around, fans will simply enjoy watching the Spanish legend back in action after a much-needed break.

Until then, Rafa continues to enjoy life off-court. Even as he trains for his return, he often treats his fans to some breathtaking views on his social media.

Away from the sport, it is a delight to see Nadal doing well. It gives fans hope of a positive comeback from the legend and puts a possible Grand Slam on the cards.

Read more: ?Spectacular?- Rafael Nadal Treats Fans to Breathtaking View from Hiking Trip with Wife Xisca Perello