“It is not his farewell year,” Top coach Patrick Mouratoglou thinks 2024 may not be Rafael Nadal’s final year on tour

The French coach predicts Nadal's farewell run may be extended.

“It is not his farewell year,” Top coach Patrick Mouratoglou thinks 2024 may not be Rafael Nadal’s final year on tour

Rafael Nadal and Patrick Mouratoglou (Via Imago)

After his loss to Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open, Rafael Nadal, who had previously stated that 2024 may be his last year on tour, hinted that he may return to his most successful tournament next year.

Considering this, Holger Rune’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes that Nadal is not done yet and hopes to see him on the circuit for a little longer. Nadal announced last week that he will be skipping Wimbledon this year, which raised some eyebrows as this was supposed to be the year where he bid adieu to his most important tournaments.

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Mouratoglou explains that if Nadal believed this was his last year and that he couldn’t compete at his intended level anymore, he would have chosen to play Wimbledon one last time as it is one of the tournaments that shaped his career. 

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The fact that he decides not to go to Wimbledon is also a strong sign that he wants to win the Olympics, that he thinks he can do it and that this is not his farewell year, where he will participate to all the tournaments to say goodbye. Otherwise, he would go to Wimbledon. No, he wants to win the Olympic Games and so he will prepare on clay. I think he will do well, firstly because he will have a lot more training in terms of number of weeks, he will have more competition and the conditions will be excellent.
Patrick Mouratoglou said on Instagram

The French coach also thinks that Nadal believes he is capable of going all the way in the Olympics. That is the kind of confidence without which he couldn’t have decided to skip the grass court season entirely.

In the Olympics, you will have those conditions because it’s going to be a few weeks later. I think if he does well at the Olympics he is going to is potentially win Roland-Garros next year. He can for sure.
Patrick Mouratoglou added

Since the Olympics will be held in Rafa’s kingdom at Roland Garros this year, Mouratoglou also predicts he may be one of the best picks to win the gold.

Rafael Nadal opens up about potentially continuing his farewell run into 2025

Nadal has not explicitly mentioned that this year will be his last on the tour. He has frequently talked about his farewell run and retirement with an asterisk next to the sentences. A farewell ceremony that was planned for him at Roland Garros was canceled upon his request, leading to speculations about his return next year. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

He strengthened these rumors by admitting that he wishes to play in the tournament next year if his physical and mental conditions allow it. He has now almost confirmed his presence in tournaments next year as feels like he is enjoying the game again. 

My feelings in recent weeks have made me want to explore a little more, to want to see what can happen. I am rediscovering the pleasure of playing tennis, of enjoying myself. I want to give myself the opportunity to see if my physique remains at this level or if this is a passing moment and everything goes wrong again.
Rafael Nadal said via L’Equipe

This resurgence of interest and satisfaction has also provided his fans with the opportunity to watch and admire their idol play for some more time. Nadal will soon be seen at the Olympics, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles.

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