"After Paris Olympics I'll take time to think about what I really want to do"- Rafael Nadal hints at uncertain future; commits to playing at Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal has said that he will take some time following the conclusion of his 2024 Paris Olympics campaign to think about what he wants to do next. Even though the Spaniard has yet to confirm it, the widespread perception is that the ongoing season will mark his last year on tour. However, the former World No. 1 did commit to playing at the 2024 Laver Cup, where he is set to be one of the stars of Team Europe.
Nadal is heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics, his final appearance at the prestigious Games, on an uncertain note. The Spaniard recently complained of physical discomfort in his legs during doubles training in Paris and was given a rest day by his coach Carlos Moya on Thursday, July 25. While the two-time Olympic gold medalist has confirmed his doubles participation alongside Carlos Alcaraz, there still are doubts surrounding his singles participation at the event.
There are also question marks over Nadal's plans after the Olympics. He features prominently on the entry list for the 2024 US Open but is yet to commit to playing at Flushing Meadows. Recently, in an interview with Spanish media outlet Onda Cero, the former World No. 1 stated that right now, he is living life day-to-day with a positive mindset.
"Nothing is linear in this life. There are moments and states, which normally go hand in hand with physical states. I try to enjoy and live what I feel at each moment, always with a positive vision of what my day to day is within my possibilities," Nadal told Onda Cero (translated from Spanish).
The 22-time Major winner went on to cast doubt on his future, suggesting that he will think hard about his schedule after his 2024 Paris Olympics campaign concludes. Nadal, though, did state that he is committed to featuring at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin. The Spaniard's last appearance at the Laver Cup came in London in 2022, where Roger Federer's farewell from the sport hogged the limelight.
"After here I am going to take some time to think carefully about what I need for myself as a person, what I really want to do. I will play the Laver Cup," Nadal added.
Rafael Nadal's fiercest rival Novak Djokovic recently expressed his hope to face the Spaniard at Paris Olympics 2024
Novak Djokovic and Nadal have clashed 59 times on the ATP Tour over the years, and the two have served up the most prolific rivalry in the Open Era of men's tennis. Djokovic leads the pair's head-to-head 30-29. However, in the Major finals, it's the Spaniard with the advantage (5-4). The duo also clashed at the 2008 edition of the Olympics, with Nadal winning and eventually going on to clinch Gold for Spain in men's singles.
Recently, the Serb was in attendance at 'The Prelude to the Olympics' party, where he confessed that he hopes to face Nadal at the Games. As things stand, if Nadal features in singles and wins his first-round match against Martin Fucsovics and Djokovic wins his first-round encounter against Matthew Ebden, the two fierce rivals will meet again.
"It's going to be a spectacle definitely if we get to meet, spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times. I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for the both of us," Djokovic said.
The 2024 Paris Olympics' tennis tournament is slated to begin on Saturday, July 27, with Nadal aiming to win Gold for the third time and Djokovic hoping to end his search for Olympic Gold. The Serb won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.