Rafael Nadal considering future after doubles exit at Paris 2024 Olympics Games
"If that was the last time, I enjoyed it" says tennis legend Rafael Nadal after Olympic Games doubles loss.
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Nadal admitted he does not know what the future holds for him after he and Carlos Alcaraz were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s doubles.
The all-star Spanish duo were expected to challenge for a medal but lost 6-2 6-4 in the last eight to American doubles specialists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
It remains to be seen whether it will prove to be the last match of Nadal’s career, but the 14-time French Open champion was visibly emotional as he thanked fans in attendance at Roland-Garros.
Nadal is second on the all-time list of men's Grand Slam champions with 22, two behind Novak Djokovic, while he is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“For me personally it was disappointing to not bring back a medal for Spain,” Nadal told reporters. “I tried my best in every single minute I was on court but it was not enough.
“If this was the last time, it was an unforgettable feeling and emotion. They gave me the love and support every single second and it's super, super special to feel that.
“I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but if that's the last time I enjoyed it.”
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The 38-year-old has battled injuries at various stages of his career and has found sustained fitness hard to come by since he damaged his hip at last year’s Australian Open.
After undergoing surgery, he returned at the start of 2024 after nearly 12 months out, but has been hampered by various setbacks and has struggled to produce anything like his best tennis.
He skipped Wimbledon to prepare for the Olympics on his favourite surface but lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the singles before failing to make the last four in the doubles alongside Alcaraz.
The next major event on the calendar is the US Open. Nadal is a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows but is unsure whether he will be fit to make his 17th appearance in New York.
“I can't give you a clear answer,” he added, “I need some time, but for me it looks difficult.”