The 2024 Bastad Open will be remembered by fans of Rafael Nadal for a long time. The Swedish event marks the Spaniard’s maiden appearance since his first-round loss at the French Open, missing the grass swing altogether. While logic dictates that the Spanish superstar forgo the grass court season to avoid a change of surfaces ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rafa claims otherwise.

While every tournament holds a certain value, Rafa voiced his reasons for playing at the Nordea Open merely days before the commencement of the Paris Olympics. In a post-match interview at Bastad after his 6-7, 7-5, 7-5 victory against Mariano Navone, the 22-time Major champion addressed that he never claimed using the event to prepare for the Games.

While talking to the reporters, the Spaniard highlighted that although he might use a tournament to prepare for a bigger event when staging a comeback from a long-standing injury, he did not follow up on that approach while appearing in Bastad. “I never said that it’s a preparation for anything. I never take a tournament like a preparation for another. Just when I’m coming back from a long period of injury, maybe, but I take this tournament like an important event.”

Earlier this season, the 38-year-old also expressed his disappointment in missing the SW19. He addressed the British fans by lauding them for their undying support. “I am saddened not to be able to live this year the great atmosphere of that amazing event that will always be in my heart, and be with all the British fans that always gave me great support. I will miss you all.” 

While the Spaniard is performing at the Bastad Open with a healthy mindset, it is still disheartening to acknowledge that the upcoming Games will mark his final Olympics appearance.

Rafael Nadal is ready to pair Carlos Alcaraz for a thriller doubles showdown at the Paris Olympics

Earlier this season, fans were eager to witness Nadal’s much-awaited return to the Wimbledon Championships. However, to much distress, the Spaniard announced that he would be skipping the All-England Club event and instead, focus on playing at the Swedish Open. Moreover, the former World No. 1 published a statement on his official social media handle confirming that this year’s Olympics will be his last.

“I was asked about my summer calendar and since then I have been practicing on clay. It was announced yesterday that I will play at the summer Olympics in Paris, my last Olympics.” Nadal is scheduled to perform at the Summer Olympics which commences on Friday, July 26. He will participate in both the singles and the doubles category at the multi-sport event.

For the uninitiated, the 22-time Major champion will be teaming up with countryman Carlos Alcaraz for an exciting doubles showdown. For what is a bid at Nadal’s final tilt at adding Olympic gold medals to his legacy, what are your thoughts on his chances at the Games? Do let us know in the comments.