“I will hang up my racket if…” Rafael Nadal gives a subtle hint about his retirement after bowing out of Paris Olympics

After Wednesday's exit, Nadal has potentially played his final match in Paris.

“I will hang up my racket if…” Rafael Nadal gives a subtle hint about his retirement after bowing out of Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal shows frustration at the Paris Olympics (via Imago)

Rafael Nadal‘s Paris Olympics campaign is officially over as he lost in men’s doubles with Carlos Alcaraz against Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram from the USA. The Spanish duo lost with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday (July 31).

After the match, many tennis fans and pundits began speculating about Nadal’s future and wondering whether this is the last time they will see the left-hander in Paris. The 38-year-old has chosen to remain silent on the matter for now.

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I will go to spend time with my family after 4 months in which I enjoyed tennis again, despite some problems and disappointments. When I am clear about what I will do in the future with or without a racket in my hand, I will let you know. If I don't have the desire, strength, or motivation to continue, I will hang up my racket.
Rafael Nadal said in his post-match press conference

In 2024, Rafael Nadal has largely been seen on the red dirt. The Spaniard started the season playing in Brisbane before committing to his favorite surface since his return to Barcelona in April.

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The former World No. 1 has reached only one final this year so far, which came last week at Bastad. However, Nadal has not won an ATP title since lifting his 22nd Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June 2022.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz came up short in the Olympics quarterfinals

American players Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram defeated Spanish stars Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday.

Carlos Alcaraz Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Krajicek and Ram, seeded fourth, played steady shots and took control. Alcaraz and Nadal made unusual mistakes early on. The Americans broke Alcaraz’s serve at 3-3 in the second set, showing their consistency. That game also became a cause of controversy as Nadal didn’t appear to agree with the chair umpire’s call.

Krajicek faced pressure serving for the match at 5-4. He started with a double fault but stayed calm despite the crowd’s support for the Spaniards. The Americans saved three break points to avoid late drama.

On match point, Krajicek hit an ace that just touched the sideline. The umpire confirmed it was in. After the match, the players hugged at the net. Krajicek and Ram will now play against Czechs Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek in the semi-finals.

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