Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal celebrated his 38th birthday last month.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has suffered injury setbacks in recent years and there have been growing speculations he may soon retire from the sport he has dominated for so many years.
But Nadal tried hard to dispel any notion that the 2024 Paris Olympics would be the final chapter of his glittering career.
Speaking after his opening men’s doubles match at Roland Garros, 14-time French Open champion Nadal suggested his long-standing rivalry with Novak Djokovic is never over.
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a backhand during a training session in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on July 24, 2024 in Paris. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Who said it was the last dance?” Nadal joked when asked if he was prepared for a possible “last dance” with Djokovic in singles at the Summer Olympics.
Nadal is scheduled to face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in his first men’s singles match on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, Nadal previously said he wasn’t sure if he would face Fucsovics, saying, “I don’t know if I’m going to play.”
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Nadal said he wanted to discuss plans for Sunday’s match after Saturday’s match, “and then make the smartest decisions possible to give me the best chance.” [a] I’ll bring the medal home.”
Spain’s Rafael Nadal carries the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. (Stephanie Lecoq/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
A win over Fucsovics would see Nadal advance to the second round, where he would likely face Djokovic.
The Serb, who holds the all-time record for most singles titles, expressed excitement at the opportunity to face Nadal, especially if it truly will be the last time.
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“If we do play, it will probably be our last time on a big stage,” Djokovic said, “so I’m sure the crowd will enjoy it. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be very prepared for the match.”
Rafael Nadal of the Spanish team during a training session at Roland Garros ahead of the Paris Olympic Games on July 23, 2024 in Paris. (Andy Chan/Getty Images)
Nadal and Djokovic haven’t faced off since the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open, where Nadal beat Djokovic before going on to win his 14th French Open title.
“Playing against him is like any final,” Djokovic said, “knowing what he’s done and what he’s done for our sport, especially here at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself.”
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Nadal said his doubles match against Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday was “emotional.”
“[It was] “An emotional evening, an exciting night, a great crowd,” Nadal said. “It was really special to play on this court with Carlos. I’m very happy with the win, it gives me a chance to keep winning.”
Although the “King of Clay” will finally bring his incredible career to an end, the Olympics may not be his final appearance.
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