“I played the final, that’s positive. I was able to play long matches without having an injury, that’s good,” said Rafael Nadal after losing to Nuno Borges at the Swedish Open less than a week ago. But 2024 has indicated the opposite so far! Before the ATP 500 tournament, for the first time in history, Nadal suffered a shocking first-round defeat at the 2024 French Open. He then decided to withdraw from Wimbledon in preparation for the Olympics. This decision sent ripples through the tennis world, sparking debates and raising questions: Is Nadal fit enough to compete at the mega-tournament one last time?

Recent reports suggested Nadal suspended his training with Alexander Zverev, prompting the latter to practice with Jan-Lennard Struff instead. This comes shortly after many expressed on social media that Rafa is not completely fit to compete on clay and might make some unexpected decisions.  

“Rafael Nadal has cancelled today’s training session with Alexander Zverev in the Olympics 2024. National television in Spain has mentioned it is due to hamstring issues,” the tweet read. Just yesterday Nadal was training on clay and even filling in for Juan Carlos Ferrero in coaching Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he will team up in doubles. However, reports also suggested he was spotted wearing a bandage on his right thigh.

To add insult to injury, during a training session appearance at Philippe Chatrier Centre Court last Tuesday, he was also seen saying, “I’m not okay” to Anabel Medina while showing her the fingers of his left hand. The afternoon also consisted of phrases like, “I have to rest,” and “I have not recovered”. 

Notably, Nadal had faced challenges with his thigh this season at the Brisbane Open and an MRI scan revealed “a micro muscle tear.” However, considering how the former world no. 1 missed out on his last two Olympic campaigns owing to injuries, it’s understandable why he wishes to go out with a bang!

Rafa had pulled out of the London Games owing to tendinitis in his knee. On the other hand, the Tokyo Games also saw a similar fate amid an injury plagued season.

As for Paris, any official statements are yet to come in. So far, things look optimistic, which was also be validated by the ‘King of Clay’s’ latest remarks. After losing the finals at the Swedish Open, he revealed, “In some way, I felt that I arrived here practicing much better than what I played in the tournament during the whole week. That’s something that I am not satisfied with.”

While only time will tell if everything is perfect in his camp, Rafa has continued to exhibit an immense passion for his final Olympics.

Rafael Nadal wishes to leave Paris with “peace of mind”

Besides his endeavor in the singles category, Rafael Nadal will pair up with Carlos Alcaraz to form arguably one of the best teams in tennis history. And this partnership gives him the confidence to achieve big on the grand stage. 

Speaking about his practice with Alcaraz, Nadal said, “The Olympic Games is the biggest event.” Continuing further, he expressed his desire for the Olympics,saying, “We’ll be making an effort to ensure we can leave with the peace of mind that we have tried to go as far as possible. We haven’t been able to prepare like other pairs, but we have confidence in Carlos’ form. I hope that last week, when I spent a lot of time on court, helps me physically to raise the level so that this works.”

Furthermore, he also talked about what makes this year the most important for him “It’s a great opportunity to be at the Games, the largest sporting event in the world. I appreciate being here. This will be my last. I’ve missed two (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020) and it hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam,” he said in a press conference recently.

Nadal debuted at the quadrennial event in Beijing in 2008 and clinched gold, and then again in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, once in singles and once in doubles. He skipped Tokyo to focus on his health but while he’s been adamant about Paris, will his favored surface do him any favors? Especially since his second round might bring him up against the likes of Novak Djokovic (who was also nursing injuries up until recently).

The Serbian star, after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee, withdrew ahead of the Roland-Garros quarterfinals in early-June. But, opting for a prompt surgery, he’s more than ready to “fight for a medal for my country”. 

If the two veteran superstars can hold on to their health in Paris, it’s surely going to be an epic showdown indeed! Are you excited?