Last month, Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal marked his 38th birthday.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has faced numerous injuries in recent years, leading to speculation about his imminent retirement from a sport he has long excelled in.
However, Nadal made it clear that he does not intend for the 2024 Paris Olympics to be the closing chapter of his illustrious career.
Shortly after the first round of men’s doubles matches at Roland Garros, where he has claimed the French Open title 14 times, Nadal suggested that his fierce rivalry with Novak Djokovic is far from over.
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Rafael Nadal of Team Spain plays a backhand during a training session prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on July 24, 2024, in Paris. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Who says this is the last dance?” Nadal joked when asked If he was ready for a potential “last dance” with Djokovic in singles action during the Olympics.
Nadal is set to compete against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the men’s singles opening round on Sunday. Previously, he expressed uncertainty about his participation, stating, “I don’t know if I’m going to play or not,” as reported by The Associated Press.
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Nadal emphasized that he intended to evaluate his plans for Sunday’s match after completing his Saturday match “and then make the smartest decision to maximize our chances of bringing back a medal.”
Rafael Nadal of Spain carries the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 26, 2024. (Stephanie Lecocq/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
If Nadal triumphs over Fucsovics, he would advance to the second round, where he would likely meet Djokovic.
The Serbian star, who holds the record for the most major singles titles, expressed his anticipation about the potential matchup with Nadal — especially if it were to be their last.
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“If we face each other, it could very well be the last time we meet on a significant stage,” Djokovic shared. “I’m certain people would relish that. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be ready for that encounter.”
Rafael Nadal of Team Spain participating in a training session at Roland Garros before the Paris Olympic Games on July 23, 2024, in Paris. (Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Nadal and Djokovic haven’t met since their quarterfinal clash at the French Open in 2022, which saw Nadal prevail. He went on to capture his 14th title at Roland Garros during that tournament.
“Competing against him feels like a final, no matter the tournament,” Djokovic remarked. “Especially here, given his incredible achievements and influence on our sport, particularly at Roland Garros, where his record is unmatched.”
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Nadal described his Saturday doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz as a deeply moving experience.
“It was an emotional night, filled with energy and an amazing crowd,” Nadal expressed. “Playing with Carlos on this court has been incredibly special for me. I’m absolutely thrilled about the victory. It gives us a chance to continue onwards.”
Though the “King of Clay” will eventually conclude his remarkable career, the Olympics may not be his final performance.
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