Rafael Nadal has revealed his plans for the 2024 Paris Olympics as the celebrated games approach. With the multi-sport tournament set to be played in July-August this year, Nadal was asked about his intentions and plans for the event. The Spaniard has revealed that he intends to play at the Olympics for the fact that it is being held in Paris, the most important city of his career.
However, it is not going to be easy for Nadal considering his fitness challenges. Rafa has not been able to compete consistently on the tour since the 2023 Australian Open over injury concerns. The 22-time Grand Slam champion even missed out on this year’s Australian Open due to an injury.
There are uncertainties around his participation in the second Grand Slam tournament of the year- the French Open as well. Although Nadal has managed to play in three tournaments on clay back-to-back, he is unsure about going to the 2024 Roland Garros. Amid these uncertainties, Nadal has spoken about his Olympic plans.
Yes, I would like to play in the Olympics. The Olympic Games are unique in the world of sport, whether for tennis, football, basketball, sports which are very popular. The Olympics are the very essence of sport and this year, as it is at Roland Garros, it is really very special for me. What's more, in Paris, the most important city of my career. We'll see, there's still time until then, there's a lot of things ahead. But I hope to be able to play them, I would like that. Rafael Nadal said to franceinfo.
Rafael Nadal talks about his injury struggles
Rafael Nadal also delved deep into his injury woes and how they have only led to frustration for the Spanish ace. The 37-year-old said that while it is three months off for a player after getting injured, it was not the case for him. He claimed that he was told that he would recover but eventually had to undergo surgery.
Nadal then talked about the time when he looked set for a comeback at the start of the 2024 season but was held back by an abdominal injury. Rafa felt these things led to frustration for him.
After the Australian Open last year, there were all these months of uncertainty until my withdrawal from Roland-Garros. I was told I was going to recover, but nothing happened. It ended in an operation. After the operation, I wanted to have a clear timeline to help me. But when I felt good again at the start of the year in Australia, I had problems, particularly with my abdominals. A lot of things have piled up. On a sporting level, it was day-to-day, which was difficult and frustrating. Rafael Nadal reflected upon his injury woes
It is worth mentioning that Nadal returned to the tennis court at the Brisbane International and looked set to play at the 2024 Australian Open. However, he had to pull out due to injury concerns, and his second comeback got further delayed. Eventually, Nadal played at the Barcelona Open.
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