Spanish veteran tennis player Rafael Nadal said he is "excited and prepared" to take part in his last Olympic Games, with the fact that injuries have stopped him from performing in London and Tokyo spurring him to one last effort.

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during the men's singles 2nd round match against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia at Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain, May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

The 38-year-old has won 14 French Open titles at Roland Garros and what is arguably his favorite venue is the site for the tennis tournament at the Paris Games, although Nadal insisted it would be a totally different experience.

"Even though they are the same facilities at Roland Garros, the experience is different. The feel is different," explained the Spaniard, who is playing his last season before retiring.

"Of course, these are the last Games," he told Spanish TV network RTVE adding that missing Tokyo 2021 and London 2012 "hurt me more than missing any Grand Slams because they are unique experiences", while Grand Slams are played every year.

Nadal admitted that his injury problems over the last two years had almost ended his career and that being in Paris was a "reward" for all of his work, even if it meant stepping back to what he experienced as a youngster.

"It rejuvenates you to be here: the day-to-day and personal life is a return to the beginning of everything, when you played small tournaments and stayed in hostels or small hotels," he commented.

The Spaniard will compete in singles and doubles where he is partnered with Carlos Alcaraz, who is seen as his natural successor after a brilliant start to his career.

"I'm especially excited by the doubles as I am playing with who I think is the best player in the world."

"If injuries respect him, he will be one of the best in history," he said of Alcaraz. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)