New Delhi: Rafael Nadal was left angry after his loss to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics 2024 when a reporter asked the Spaniard about his retirement plans. Nadal, a winner of 22 Grand Slams and a two-time Olympic gold medallist, lost to Djoko in their 60th meeting 1-6, 4-6 in straight sets in the men’s singles second round fixture.
Following the game, Nadal was asked if this could be his final Olympics. “You want me to retire every day guys, you ask me for that. I am trying to do my best. I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be or not going to be my last match,” said Nadal, looking annoyed.
“I have been suffering a lot of injuries the last two years. So, if I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going, or physically I’m not ready to keep going, I will stop and I will let you know,” added the 37-year-old who decided to compete in the singles event recently.
“I like what I do and of course I’m going to miss the adrenaline of playing but I cannot complain. I have been playing in all these courts for 20 years, fighting for the most important things. I achieved much more than I dreamed of. If that’s the last match here, I’ll be in peace. I did my best and I can’t complain anymore,” he added.
Earlier, Nadal was feted by a rowdy crowd. The chants of “Ra-fa! Ra-fa!” began as soon as Nadal walked on the court and even helped him win four consecutive games in the second set, including a forehand winner to break to make it 4-all. He’s still playing at the Olympics, pairing with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles for Spain, and what comes next he does not know.
