Rafael Nadal has cast doubt on his participation in his opening singles match at the 2024 Paris Olympics after triumphing in his doubles opener alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also criticized the Olympic scheduling, particularly the timing of his first-round singles clash.
Soon after his commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Lebanon’s Hady Habib in his opening singles match, Alcaraz partnered with Nadal for their doubles debut against the Argentine team of Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez.
The Spanish pair showcased their strength, securing a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over the sixth seeds in one hour and 47 minutes on Saturday, July 27. The 22-time Grand Slam champion highlighted the “electrifying” atmosphere post-win and reflected on the “emotional night” of his return to Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.
However, Rafael Nadal expressed his frustration upon discovering that his opening singles match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics is set for 2:00 pm local time on Sunday, following the match between Barbora Krejcikova and Sara Sorribes Tormo.
With increasing speculation about Nadal potentially withdrawing from the singles event due to injury concerns, the 38-year-old acknowledged that he is uncertain about competing against Fucsovics and needs to discuss with his team.
“I don’t know if I’ll play tomorrow, I have to evaluate it with my team. Sometimes less is more,” he said.
Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo, Nadal expressed his frustration with the scheduling, describing it as “outrageous” to have his singles match scheduled so early in the day. The 38-year-old reiterated his plan to consult with his team and make a decision that would best support Spain’s chances of winning a medal.
“Do I play at 2:00 p.m.? I don’t understand the schedule, it seems outrageous to me when I’m playing tomorrow at two o’clock. I don’t know, I’ll have to go back to the village and talk to the team, I’ll make the decision that I think is most appropriate to have a chance of getting results for Spain,” he said.
The uncertainty surrounding the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s singles participation is particularly disheartening. A win over Fucsovics would pave the way for a highly anticipated second-round showdown with his long-time rival, Novak Djokovic. This potential clash has generated significant excitement among tennis fans, eager to witness another chapter in their storied rivalry.
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