Rafael Nadal gave an interesting new interview to the French media, who took advantage of his presence at the opening of a new hotel in Tossa de Mar (Girona) to ask him more trivia ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Spanish champion is already projected toward the five-ring event on the clay courts that also host Roland Garros, scheduled to begin in late July. The Mallorcan’s ambition can only be to arrive in the best conditions to star in the place that has made him most famous (the reference is of course to the 14 Slam titles won in France).
During a recent interview with L’Equipe, Rafael Nadal opened up on his performance at the 2024 French Open: “Zverev is a great player, he ended up reaching the final. I would have needed a slightly worse Zverev than he played; for my part, I was unable to take advantage of the opportunities that could have changed the match.
Rafael Nadal, 2016 Rio Olympics
Rafael Nadal, 2016 Rio Olympics© Julian Finney / Staff – Getty Images Sport
However, the emotion was immense, as it always is when I enter this court. It is a very difficult feeling to describe.” Rafa also added: “The last two years have been difficult, I’ve had a lot of tough times, especially with my hip operation, plus my abdominal problems and not forgetting the injury in Australia. They have made me sad. I haven’t felt ready to train and play like I wanted to for a long time, but there has been a positive evolution lately. I arrived at Roland Garros, perhaps, at my best moment of the last two years”.
Rafael Nadal will not return to play the prestigious Wimbledon tournament after two years.
The Spanish champion has chosen to conserve precious energy and focus exclusively on clay. His only goal at this
stage of the season is the five-ring competition: in fact, the Spanish Federation has established that Rafa will be at the starting line of the Paris Olympics, both in the singles draw and in doubles with his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (winner on the courts of Roland Garros, where the games will be held).