Rafael Nadal’s desire to represent Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics could be hindered by ITF rules. Special exemptions, like the one given to Roger Federer, might be needed for his participation.
Nadal, who is recovering from injuries and plans to return to the court in 2024, expressed his hope to compete in the Paris Olympics as a fitting end to his career.
“I’m not going to tell you that it’s my last year 100 per cent and that I have it planned,” he said. “Because what if it’s not like that? My hope is in two months to know how and where I am. The 2024 Olympics in Paris would be a nice end to my career if I feel good.”
He also mentioned his interest in forming a doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion.
“I have not had the slightest conversation with him in that regard,” added the 37-year-old. “But I would also like to and it would be a good motivation, another incentive for me to be able to close my Olympic cycle.”
However, ITF rules dictate that players must have represented their country in the Davis Cup for two years leading up to the Olympics to be eligible. Nadal has not met this requirement, similar to Federer’s situation before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
A special exemption?
To make Nadal’s Olympic dream a reality, Spain might need to request a special exemption, as Switzerland did for Federer. Nadal’s Olympic success includes gold medals in men’s singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016, making a Paris appearance, especially at Roland Garros, a dream scenario to conclude his remarkable career.
While Nadal remains uncertain about his retirement plans, his desire to compete in the Olympics could face administrative challenges that require Spain’s intervention.
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Ranked no.240, Rafael played his last match on the 18th of January when he lost to world no.39 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Nadal owns a compiled 1-3 record.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
LWWWLWWWWW Now ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 3rd of October when he surrendered to world no.7 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-1 in the semifinal in Beijing (draw).
At present, during this year the Spaniard has managed to achieve a compiled 61-8 record. The Spaniard clinched 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Alcaraz reached the final in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz played each other 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they played each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here the video highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz |
| Embed from Getty Images |
