Rafael Nadal named Gold Medal favorite for 2024 Paris Olympics by President of Spain’s Olympic Committee
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Rafael Nadal with his Gold Medal won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Rafael Nadal is one of the rarest ATP players to have won both a Grand Slam and an Olympics medal. His tally of 22 Grand Slam titles is yet to be matched by any player in singles. His Olympics record of a Gold medal in both singles and doubles has not been repeated by any male player either.
Nadal’s legacy has not remained limited to his individual honors. He has been instrumental in the success of Spain as well leading his nation to five Davis Cup titles as well. Rafa rose to World No. 1 ranking for the first time in 2008 and it became an extra special occasion as he sealed it with the singles Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
But the Spaniard ensured he didn’t return empty-handed from the 2016 Rio Olympics. Partnering with Marc Lopez, his current coach, Nadal won the Doubles Gold. The feat made him the only man in history to win a Grand Slam and Gold medal in singles and doubles at the Olympics. Venus and Serena Williams are the only other tennis players to have achieved the feat.
With the 2024 Olympics set to be held in Paris, the tennis events will be held at the Roland Garros Stadium. This will present the ‘King of Clay’ a massive chance to add to his Olympics tally. While there is no confirmation of his participation, Nadal has received support from Spain’s Olympic Committee. “If Nadal plays in Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he will definitely win it,” said, Alejandro Blanco, President of Spain’s Olympic Committee as per Inside The Games.
Rafael Nadal’s realistic chances at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled between the 26th of July and the 11th of August. Rafael Nadal will be 38 years old if he turns up at the Roland Garros Stadium. While the French Open happens usually in mid-May, the conditions will be different in July and August. However, with the 2020 French Open being played in September end due to the Pandemic, the players have a slight experience of how the conditions can differ.
While the conditions will definitely play a part, the biggest concern for Nadal will be his fitness. Despite his best-ever start to a season this year, back-to-back injuries hampered his season dearly. Apart from this, there will hardly be a fortnight’s gap between the 2024 Wimbledon and the Olympics. It will further impact his chances as the French Open and Wimbledon are separated by a month. Immediately the surface will once again change from grass to clay which could be a crucial factor.
But if Nadal is able to remain fit and fresh for the Olympics, he will be the odds favorite for the Gold medal. Success in winning the Gold medal will make the Spaniard the only other man apart from Andy Murray to have won two singles Olympics Gold.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)