Nadal has not won an ATP singles title for over two years.
Rafael Nadal’s hopes for a second Olympic singles gold medal ended in devastating fashion on Monday, July 29, with a straight-sets defeat to Novak Djokovic. The left-hander lost 6-1, 6-4 to the Serbian legend.
It was arguably one of the most anticipated second-round matches in tennis history, with many considering it the ‘last dance’ of the Djokovic-Nadal rivalry. Given the level of tennis Nadal displayed, especially in the first half of the match, there are questions about whether tennis fans will see the ‘King of Clay’ playing at his maximum ever again.
Speaking after the defeat, Nadal said he has not made any decision about his future and will consider it after the Olympics.
“I try to look forward and when the Olympics are over I will make the decisions. You have to take it based on the desire and feelings you have, although for many, it makes little sense. I have been suffering for two years, I have had hip surgery, I have been recovering for a long time and now I am feeling better physically. Obviously, if I feel that I am not competitive I am going to make the decision to leave, but I have played really little. It’s not easy to recover from hip surgery.
The Spaniard has not won an ATP singles title for over two years. He spent the entirety of the 2023 season on the sidelines due to hip surgery.
“I try to do what I can to enjoy myself and give myself the option to be competitive. If I no longer want to play, I will let you know, but for now, I will live day by day to choose what I have to do when I know it,”
Rafael Nadal added.
In 2024, the former World No. 1 has been in and out of action, with most of his matches on clay. Although he reached the final in Bastad last week, he has not shown the same ruthlessness on the court that made him unplayable for so many years.
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