Rafael Nadal's Olympic quest in jeopardy - Carlos Moya provides an update

07/25/2024 03:37 PM

The 2008 singles champion Rafael Nadal is in doubt for his fourth Olympic Games in Paris. Rafa arrived in Paris a couple of days ago, hitting the practice court at his beloved Roland Garros and preparing for the singles and doubles draws. However, the veteran did not train on Thursday, feeling the pain in his right thigh and staying away from the court. Nadal's coach, Carlos Moya, explained Nadal's problem, confirming they will take a couple of days off to monitor the injury ahead of Rafa's first match. If he recovers, the Spaniard will kick off his Olympic Games campaign on Saturday alongside Carlos Alcaraz on Court Philippe-Chatrier against Gonzalez and Molteni. Nadal did not compete in Paris three years ago, and Paris stands as his last chance to win more Olympic medals for Spain. Rafa experienced a massive setback at last year's Australian Open, missing the rest of the season and returning this January ranked outside the top-600.

Nadal has played six tournaments this year, reaching the quarter-final in Brisbane before missing all the action until Barcelona after another setback. The veteran scored one win in Barcelona and three more in Madrid before falling to Hubert Hurkacz in Rome. Ranked miles outside the top, Nadal drew world no. 4 Alexander Zverev in the first round at Roland Garros, getting broken six times and falling in three sets after three hours and five minutes. Not feeling at his best physically, the Spaniard skipped the grass season, staying on clay and practicing in Mallorca and Greece. Nadal returned to competition last week in Bastad, competing at this event for the first time since winning the title in 2005. Rafa battled past four rivals, reaching his 131st ATP final and the first since Roland Garros 2022.

Nadal took down Bjorn Borg's son Leo in the first round and toppled Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 in round two, overcoming a 4-1 deficit in the second set. The veteran stayed on the court for four hours against Mariano Navone in the quarter-final, prevailing 6-7, 7-5, 7-5 for a place in the last four. It was one of the most challenging three-setters in Nadal's career, surviving physically and delivering late breaks in sets two and three. Rafa faced Nuno Borges in the title clash and suffered a massive 6-3, 6-2 loss in an hour and 27 minutes, playing with low energy and struggling on serve and return. The Spaniard delivered three breaks and lost 55% of the points in his games, suffering five breaks and finishing with the runner-up prize. Rafa traveled to Paris and trained well for a couple of days before experiencing a setback with his right thigh that could threaten his Olympic Games participation. 

"Rafa experienced a setback with his right thigh. We decided to take a rest today and skip practice sessions to recover. We will see what will happen in the next 48 hours," Carlos Moya said.