Paris Olympics: Alarm Bells Ringing for Rafael Nadal’s Qualification? Exploring His Chances for Final Shot at Glory

Rafael Nadal is showing great signs of stability on his run for the Madrid Open title. After securing a massive win over Alex De Minaur, the Spaniard not only moved ahead in the tournament but also restored the faith of the fans. Besides the ATP tours, one thing that Rafa is highly focused on is the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, despite his desire to be a part of the glorious event, his chances to count in seem to be facing an alarming condition.

According to the rules, Rafael Nadal will have to end his dreams of being a part of Spain’s roster for the upcoming Olympics if any four of his compatriots fall into the top 56 before the 10th of June. Looking at the current table, three Spaniards currently fall into the criteria, including Carlos Alcaraz (ranked at no.3), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ranked at no.28), and Pedro Martinez, who currently stands on the verge of holding the 55th rank.

Although the situation might seem stable for now, the danger could turn out to be real in the tournaments ahead. As the table suggests, the Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, who is known to have a firm grip on the clay courts, recently moved up four ranks, making it to the 68th position.

If somehow Rafael Nadal faces setbacks and Baena continues to move ahead, it might turn out to be a saddening situation for the legend.

While Baena still has plenty of ladders to climb, it still remains to be seen if he snatches Rafa’s dream or if the 37-year-old will be able to claim his position and aim for a second Olympic medal.

Rafael Nadal’s hopes to be at possibly his last Paris Olympics

Besides the facts that stand as an alarming danger for Rafael Nadal’s entry at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the tennis star appears to be carrying a deep desire to be a part of the tour. Back when the tennis star analyzed the events in his schedule, he urged to step in for glory.

“Of course, [the] Olympic Games is one of the competitions I’d love to be at,” Rafa said. While everyone is eager to know if it this was his last time playing for his nation, he added, “I can’t say if it’s going to be my last or not. I hope to be there. Whether it’s my last tournament or not, I can’t say now.”

As the legend looks forward to entering the roster, it still remains to be seen if he will be able to cross the hurdles waiting ahead in the ongoing clay court season.