“Hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam,” Rafael Nadal reflects on missed opportunities as he embraces final Olympic challenge

Rafael Nadal is aiming at another Olympics gold medal in his last ever outing at the Summer Games.

“Hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam,” Rafael Nadal reflects on missed opportunities as he embraces final Olympic challenge

Rafael Nadal has been troubled by injuries in recent years (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal recently confirmed the open secret that the 2024 Paris Olympics will be his last. While he expressed regret over missed opportunities to represent his country, the Spaniard also admitted that it hurt more than missing a Grand Slam.

In the world of tennis, a Grand Slam is considered the biggest achievement for the players. However, some consider playing for their country greater than a Grand Slam. Rafael Nadal being one of them reiterated that he was very disappointed in missing the two Olympics.

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It's a great opportunity to be at the Games, the largest sporting event in the world. I appreciate being here. This will be my last. I've missed two (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020) and it hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam.
Rafael Nadal said via Eurosport

Nadal missed the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Nonetheless, he won gold for Spain in men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and gold in men’s doubles at the 2016 Olympics. He lost two vital opportunities playing for his country and is now on his last ever chance. 

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The Spanish great will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which is his last Olympics in what is probably his last year on tour. Despite not being in the greatest of forms, Rafa is set to compete in both doubles and singles at the Olympics. 

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Rafael Nadal(L), Carlos Alcaraz(R)

Rafael Nadal holds his 2008 Olympic Gold higher than a Grand Slam win

Nadal has also made another strong statement that highlighted the importance of the Olympics for him. According to him, he considered that missing an Olympics hurt him more than missing a Grand Slam. However, the statement does not end here. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The 38-year-old also stated that he considered his 2008 Olympic gold medal higher than a Grand Slam win. Although this statement might start a war online, the Spaniard stuck to his words and expressed his love for his country over personal trophies. 

Winning Beijing in 2008 was bigger than winning a Grand Slam. You feel part of something bigger. The feeling of returning with a medal to the Villa is unforgettable.
Rafael Nadal said via Eurosport

Rafa has arrived in Paris with a final appearance at the Bastad Open. In the last couple of days, Nadal has posed for a couple of pictures with his doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz, which received a lot of love from the fans. 

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