In a turn of events that has left tennis fans concerned, Rafael Nadal hinted at possible retirement following his and Carlos Alcaraz’s quarterfinal exit in the men’s doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics. At 38, Nadal’s comments have fueled speculation about the future of the legendary Spanish player.
Nadal and Alcaraz, despite their efforts, couldn’t progress beyond the quarterfinals, leading to Nadal expressing uncertainty about his participation in future tournaments, including the upcoming US Open 2024. “I will let you know soon. At the moment, I cannot give a clear answer, but for me, it seems difficult,” Nadal said when questioned about his plans for the US Open.
The defeat marked a poignant moment for Nadal, who shared his emotional connection with Roland Garros, a venue where he has achieved immense success throughout his career. “If this is the last time, it is a feeling and emotions that are unforgettable. The audience has shown me love and support every second I was on the court,” Nadal conveyed to his fans.
Carlos Alcaraz, who partnered with Nadal in the doubles, also expressed his disappointment at not being able to help his senior teammate secure a third Olympic gold medal. However, Alcaraz cherished the experience of playing alongside Nadal. “Playing with Rafa is an experience I will never forget. We had some great matches and beautiful rallies. But I am a bit disappointed that we couldn’t go further,” Alcaraz remarked post-match.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his relationship and the lessons learned from Nadal. “We had the chance to spend time off the court, talking about life and building a great relationship. I am sure this bond will only grow stronger,” the 21-year-old added.
Nadal assured his unwavering support for Alcaraz and expressed confidence in the young talent’s future. “If I were 10 years younger, we would have many more great memories together, but that won’t happen. Nonetheless, I will always support him and wish him all the best,” Nadal shared.
As Nadal faces an uncertain future, Alcaraz continues his singles campaign at the Olympics, set to face Tommy Paul of the USA in the quarterfinals on the evening of August 1st. The other quarterfinal matches include Casper Ruud against Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Zverev versus Lorenzo Musetti, and Novak Djokovic taking on Stefanos Tsitsipas.
