Rafael Nadal touched down in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (31 July) night ahead of the Olympic Games.
The 2008 Olympic gold medallist was greeted by a scrum of media, excited airport staff and members of the public.
Rafa is due to carry Spain’s flag at the opening ceremony on August 5.
Also, he is scheduled to play singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Photo by Monique Danello / @moniquedanello
Photo by Pedro Hernandez / @PedroRFET
Good luck & Vamos Rafa!
Good luck Rafa.You are a great player filled with passion.
I believe in you! I have watched you for years and you will make the best decision for you. Have fun and enjoy the moments! 🌞
All the best Rafa! Enjoy it and have fun on the court!
Vamos Rafa <3
u will do good Rafael go out there and have hun
Just read a total loser approach interview Rafa gave: “I will see whether I play here, I will decide last minute, my level can’t be high, I hardly trained, bla bla bla”. Sounds of an insecure weakling, incredible how the mighty have fallen. Once almost the GOAT, now a shade of himself.
I am also deeply disappointed as it appears that he is not ready to play, given his and Toni’s non-committal to play interviews. I am still waiting to see if he pulls out before or after the opening ceremonies. I think men’s singles start on Saturday.
RARA ROCKS
He’s been injured and isn’t fully better yet. Would you rather he lie and and say he’s going to win gold?
And you’ve obviously haven’t seen many Rafa interviews in your time. He never bigs himself up, even when he’s at the top of his game. He could be at full strength, playing the no.212 on clay, and he’d still say he isn’t the favourite and that he’ll “try his best”.
I trust Rafa’s fans are all aware of his self deprecating manner.
This injury is a serious one and only a few of us here were “brave” enough to voice our concern about him coming back so soon, instead of believing “updates” that said really nothing. As far as I’m concerned, all they did was fill up space on the screen. Thanks to Toni.
I don’t think anyone expected Rafa to win gold but I do think that his camp should not string his fans along into believing that he could play Rio. I TRULY HOPE I AM WRONG but the way it is looking, it’s not good.
So hopefully you can understand why some fans are so vociferous about their disappointment, their heartbreak.
RAFA ROCKS
All the very Best of Luck to you and all athletes from Spain be careful over there Rafa Can,t wait to see you carrying the flag for Spain Keep plenty of insect repellant with you at all times Vamos Rafa
All the very Best of Luck to you and all athletes from Spain be careful over there Rafa Can,t wait to see you carrying the flag for Soain, Keep insect spray close handy all the time Vamos Rafa
GOOD AND ALSO HAPPY TO SEE YOU IN RIO. REGARDS YOUR INJURY, YOU ARE THE BEST JUDGE. BUT, WE ALL KNOW, YOU ARE ONE PERSON OR RATHER PLAYER WHO NEVER MAKES EXCUSES.
TRY YOUR BEST.🌷 AS YOU ALWAYS DO. JUST BE POSITIVE, N ALL WILL FALL IN PLACE.
WE LOVE TO SEE YOU CARRY YOUR COUNTRY FLAG. N WE ALL YOUR FANS KNOW, YOU WILL MAKE US PROUD.
GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT, RAFA BABY. LOVE THE SMILE ON YOUR FACE.
PRAYING FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH.
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU RAFA.💖 ALWAYS.
Rafael and his team are fully aware of his situation. As a professional, he will not
undertake any challenge that would jeopardize his future career.
Stay healthy and enjoy the games! 😎💪👑🏆👍🇪🇸👏♥️
Rafa’s comments to Reuters are as upsetting as Toni’s words made the other day for their lack solid commitment.
Rafa, in Rio, is quoted as saying the usual about “not having competed in two months, not having trained a lot. I will not be at the best level for any of the categories.” All this I have heard/read before.
What upsets me is that he is now in Rio and has yet to confirm that he will play, “I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best to be more positive for me and the team.” I hope he is just giving the sports media a snow job.
The Olympic Games are about athletes competing at the highest level, and not just about wanting to play.
Good luck with the practice, Rafa.
RAFA THE OLYMPIAN
He looks so HAPPY!!!!!!!
RAFA fan forever.
Bonne chance rafa 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍vamos rafa oh yeah ❤❤❤❤❤
pleased to you see you well again,will be watching you on the 5th carrying the flag for spain,l am off to mallorca for a week on the 6th but will record everything in rio,all the very best for vamos rafa glennis in the lsle of man.
I always love watching the Olympics and having Rafa there is an added plus. I know he will play only what he feels he can without jeopardizing his wrist.
I still do not understand why there are no longer ranking points for Rio
His appeal is worldwide, such a captivating person, charming, well mannered and grounded. Wishing him well in Rio
Pray you are completely cured.All our prayers for you to stay strong and do well at the Olympics. God bless you and your team roo.
Best of luck Rafa.Can’t wait to see u on court…U a d best.
All the best rafa
Best of luck to our champ! May it be a happy and healthy time for you!
Happy for your arrival in Rio. Stay away from the mosquitoes Rafa and may you make Spain proud.