Big news for Rafael Nadal fans! The Roland Garros setback is still fresh in our minds. While his presence on the courts of Paris made it clear that form was not on his side, the Spaniard decided to add more events to his schedule. It is just about time that Rafa would live his dream of playing at the Paris Olympics. However, before that, he’s set to appear at another event.

Everyone found Rafael Nadal’s decision to pull out of Wimbledon justified. While this year would probably be the last one of his glorious tennis career, his core aim lies in Paris, siding with Carlos Alcaraz to play for his nation. While fans were saddened about the fact that they would have to wait for a long time to see him on the courts, he decided to enroll in an ATP 250 event.

The Spaniard has announced his participation at the event in Bastad. The event scheduled to be played just after the Wimbledon week comes to an end, will feature Rafael Nadal as the major highlight. But why choose an ATP 250 event? While it is clearly evident from his recent performance that he needs more practice on clay before stepping into the courts of Paris once again, the decision seems to be a positive call.

To not let fans assume things about his participation, the Spaniard himself came forward on X to give out the reason behind his move. “In order to prepare for the Olympic Games, I will play the tournament in Bastad, Sweden. A tournament that I played earlier in my career and where I had a great time both on and off the court. Looking forward to seeing you all there,” he wrote.

It was the year 2005 when Rafael Nadal last stepped on the Swedish courts. While he’s about to relive the moments with a bigger agenda in his mind, it is evident that the number of followers for this event would experience a hike.

Rafael Nadal’s Olympics determination makes him approach Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal’s Paris Olympic dreams are aligned with Carlos Alcaraz’s. While the young Spaniard recently proved his dominance by securing the Roland Garros title, Rafa is confident about his clay court prowess. Although the 21-year-old is looking forward to the grass court season ahead, Rafa wishes to join hands with him before taking the courts of Roland Garros again.

According to the Spanish sports commentator Juanma Castano, Nadal possibly wishes to play a doubles tournament with Carlos Alcaraz before their Olympic venture. “And from there Rafa wants to convince Carlos Alcaraz to play a tournament together on land and if not they will go directly to the Olympic Games, that the tennis tournament starts on July 27,” the commentator said.

This is probably the last year that Rafa stands among his countless fans. While he is working hard to pursue his biggest dream for an Olympic medal, it would surely require a drastic improvement to the Spaniard’s current form.