Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who turns 38 on June 3, has hinted that the 2024 Paris Olympics may not mark the end of his illustrious career. Nadal, who has won a record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, has faced injury setbacks in recent years, but he is determined to continue playing at the highest level.
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal celebrated his 38th birthday last month and has been open about his plans for the future. The 22-time Grand Slam singles winner has hinted that the 2024 Paris Olympics may not be his final chapter, despite injury setbacks in recent years.
Nadal, who has won the French Open a record 14 times, sparked speculation about his retirement plans after the opening round of men's doubles matches at Roland Garros. However, he quickly dismissed any notion that the Paris Olympics would mark the end of his illustrious career.
Nadal Hints at More to Come, Not Ready for Final Dance in Paris
"Who says that's last dance?" Nadal quipped when asked if he was prepared for a possible "last dance" with Novak Djokovic in singles competition during the Summer Games.
Nadal is scheduled to face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in the opening round of men's singles on Sunday. The Spaniard had previously expressed uncertainty about whether he would compete against Fucsovics, but later clarified that he would discuss his plans after finishing his Saturday match.
Nadal Hints at More to Come, Not Ready for Final Dance in Paris
"I'm not sure if I'm going to play or not," Nadal said, according to The Associated Press. "I don't want to say yet because I don't know yet. I have an idea, but I want to wait a little bit. I want to go back and talk to my team."
If Nadal defeats Fucsovics, he will earn a spot in the second round, where he would likely face Djokovic. The Serbian, who holds the all-time record for Grand Slam singles titles, expressed excitement about the possibility of competing against Nadal, especially if it would indeed be for a final time.
Nadal Hints at More to Come, Not Ready for Final Dance in Paris
"If we get to face each other, it's going to be possibly the last time we're going to face each other on a big stage," Djokovic said. "So, I'm sure that people would enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it, and I'll be ready for that matchup."
Nadal and Djokovic have not gone head-to-head since the quarterfinal at the French Open in 2022, a match that Nadal won.
"Playing him is like finals, in any tournament," Djokovic said. "Particularly here, knowing what he has achieved and what he's done for our sport, but particularly here at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself."
Nadal, for his part, admitted that playing in Saturday's doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz was an emotional experience.
"[It was] an emotional night, an electrifying night, amazing crowd," Nadal said. "To play with Carlos on this court has been so special. I'm just super happy about the victory. It gives us a chance to keep going."
While the "King of Clay" will undoubtedly end his superb career at some point, the Olympics may not be his final bow. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage for the latest updates and insights.
