Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal celebrated his 38th birthday last month.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has suffered some injury woes in recent years, adding to the belief that he will soon leave the sport he dominated for so long.
But Nadal has gone to great lengths to dispel any notion that Paris 2024 will mark the final chapter of his storied career.
Shortly after Nadal won his 14th French Open men’s doubles first-round match at Roland Garros, he hinted that his long-running rivalry with Novak Djokovic is far from over.
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a backhand during training ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics at Roland Garros in Paris on July 24, 2024. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Who said it was the last dance?” Nadal quipped when asked if he was ready for a singles match with Djokovic during the Summer Olympics.
Nadal is scheduled to face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the first round of the men’s singles on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, the Spaniard previously seemed unsure whether he would play against Fucovic, saying: “I don’t know if I will play.”
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Nadal noted that he wanted to discuss plans for Sunday’s match after Saturday’s match “and then make the wisest decision to have the best chance.” [a] The medal went home.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal carries the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024. (Stephanie Laycock/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
If Nadal beats Fucovic, he will get a spot in the second round, where he will likely face Djokovic.
The Serbian and all-time record holder for major singles titles expressed excitement at the chance to compete with Nadal – especially if it was indeed the last time.
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“If we can face each other, this may be the last time we face each other on the big stage,” Djokovic said. “So, I’m sure people are going to enjoy it. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be ready for that game.”
Spain’s Rafael Nadal trains at Roland Garros in Paris ahead of the Paris Olympics on July 23, 2024. (Andy Zhang/Getty Images)
Nadal and Djokovic have not faced off head-to-head since the 2022 French Open quarter-finals. He then won his 14th title at Roland Garros.
“Playing against him in any tournament is like a final,” Djokovic said. “Especially here, knowing what he has achieved and what he has done for our sport, especially at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself.”
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Nadal calls Saturday’s doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz “exciting.”
“[It was] An exciting night, an exciting night, an amazing audience,” Nadal said. “It’s so special to play on this pitch with Carlos. I’m very happy with the win. It gives us the chance to move on.
Although the “King of Clay” will eventually end his glorious career, the Olympics may not be his final curtain call.
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