If someone asked you what would be on the top list for a tennis star from this list: Grand Slam, being World No.1, winning the Olympics and the doubles Grand Slam. How do you think a tennis player would arrange them in the hierarchy from top priority to the relatively least important? Rafael Nadal has already answered questions to an extent, and tennis fans weren’t really pleased with his response. And now comes the young and energetic, youngest flag bearer in the USA’s history: Coco Gauff! Will fans relate to her answer? Let’s dive in to find out!

The heartwarming decision by the USA to shoulder the young Gauff with the responsibility of leading the contingent surprised many greats. While the youngster is all set to represent her country and sports in Paris, she had one question to tackle. The answer to which has even led Nadal to trouble. What does she prioritize in tennis? Without mincing her words, the 20-year-old was clear with eagle-eyed focus on the Grand Slam as she said, “I would say sure, singles Grand Slam is number 1 thing/ goals.”

Now for the 2nd and the 3rd place in the list, what comes next, the World No.1 or the Olympics? Those places are reserved for Olympics Gold and World No.1 in that order and not the other way around. She further said, “Actually, I would pick the Olympics medal for me personally over number 1 ranking. At least a gold medal. I don’t know about silver or bronze.” And there is more to her list, as it also has a fourth place assigned to “the doubles grand slam.” 

The US Open champion believes that people would agree with her placement. “And I feel like most people would agree with me on that.” Given their stance on Nadal’s priority list, they would certainly agree with the young American!

Nadal is back at the Olympics, despite missing two editions (London 2012, and Tokyo 2020). The Spaniard is more than eager to play the last Olympics of his career. And it seems that in this excitement the 22-time Grand Slam champion made a bit of a blunder as tennis fans didn’t agree with his indirect positioning of the Olympics at the top!

Rafael Nadal found himself in soup at the sunset of his career

His whole career has been a clean slate, rarely stepping out of line, following all rules, and making sure there is respect even during his disregard for something. And maybe these gentlemanly qualities have everyone rushing towards him. But as the end of his career knocks on the door, it seems that he is more than ready to explore the side he has avoided until now, intentionally or unintentionally!

In the last 2 years, tennis fans have rarely seen Nadal step on the court. And now at Paris, he himself is eager to be back on the Clay court, and the same zeal was highlighted in his words, which irked some fans. He said, “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. Winning Beijing in 2008 was bigger than winning a Grand Slam. You feel part of something bigger. The feeling of returning with a medal to the Villa is unforgettable.” 

The moment these words were uttered, Nadal found himself embroiled in a controversy as some fans disagreed with the importance of the Olympics over Grand Slams. However, Gauff cleverly steered away from controversy!