“I feel like I’m finding the pleasure of playing again” Rafael Nadal reveals reason for going back on his decision to accept a tribute at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal wants to give himself a chance depending on his fitness.


“I feel like I’m finding the pleasure of playing again” Rafael Nadal reveals reason for going back on his decision to accept a tribute at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

In a recent interview, Spanish ace Rafael Nadal shared his current state of mind and physical form. With 2024 supposedly being his final year, there has been much speculation about his performance during his farewell run. However, events at the French Open suggest that it might not be the end for Nadal just yet.

Ever since returning from injury, the Spaniard has been trying to regain his old form and finally showed some promise at the French Open. However, he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev, and almost everyone was prepared for a full tribute to Nadal. Instead, the 38-year-old declined the tribute and shared a few kind words with the fans.

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Nadal, who had initially agreed to the tribute, backed out at the last moment, not ready to end his career just yet. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, the Spaniard said that he is finding pleasure and fun in playing tennis again and wants to give himself a chance to see how his body will feel in the future.

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I feel like I'm finding the pleasure of playing again, having fun. I want to give myself a chance to see if my physique remains at this level or if it is only a temporary moment and that it starts to go wrong again.
Rafel Nadal said

Nadal has not confirmed participation in any official tournaments after the Olympics, leaving uncertainty about his potential retirement at the Games. He even withdrew from Wimbledon to focus on the Olympics and attempt to win gold for his country.

Rafael Nadal reveals comeback tournament as preparations for the Paris Olympics

22-time Singles Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal won’t be playing at the 2024 Wimbledon because he wants to be more prepared than ever for the Paris Olympics, his final Olympics as a professional. This year the Olympics will take place at Roland Garros in Paris, right after the grass season.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)
In order to prepare for the Olympic Games, I will play the tournament in Bastad, Sweden. A tournament that I played earlier in my career and where I had a great time both on and off the court. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Thank you
Rafael Nadal wrote on X

Nadal is one step ahead and opted out of the grass tournaments to remain on clay and train to be better prepared for the Olympics. He even revealed his comeback tournament, which is the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden. It is a pre-Olympics tournament that happens on clay and Nadal will hope to regain his form there.

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