(Reuters) – Rafael Nadal will skip Wimbledon in July in order to prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris which will be played on the clay courts at Roland Garros, the Spaniard said on Thursday.
“During my post match press conference at Roland Garros I was asked about my summer calendar and since then I have been practising on clay. It was announced yesterday that I will play at the summer Olympics in Paris, my last Olympics,” Nadal said.
“With this goal, we believe that the best for my body is not to change surface and keep playing on clay until then. It’s for this reason that I will miss playing at the championships this year at Wimbledon.
“I am saddened not to be able to live this year the great atmosphere of that amazing event that will always be in my heart, and be with all the British fans that always gave me great support. I will miss you all.”
Rafa, who won an Olympic singles gold medal in 2008 and a doubles gold in 2016, will team up with newly-crowned French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz to play in the doubles at the Olympics.
A twice-champion at Wimbledon, Nadal said he would continue his preparations for the Olympics by playing in the ATP 250 claycourt event in Bastad, Sweden that will be played from July 15.
The Paris Olympics run from July 26-Aug. 11.
Rafa won gold in singles at Beijing in 2008. Then Rafa won gold in doubles at Rio in 2016. It is now 2024. See the pattern?
Every 8 years, Rafa strikes gold in the Olympics…will Rafa get gold in singles and doubles in 2024? I sure hope to see it! Vamos, Rafa!
I hope that playing in the Bastad Open gives Rafa the confidence he needs and that he’ll get some good match wins under his belt in preparation for the Olympics.
Moving forward, I really think that in Rafa’s mind, he has unfinished business on the court and will play for another year if healthy.
I agree with Lorna. If Rafa is healthy he will bring his tennis level up to his standard. I would love to see him play all of the tournaments he missed this year in 2025.
Enjoy it and have fun❤️
Hi rafa it has been a while gr magalie
Yay!..more Rafa ♡
Of course it is the right decision Rafa , but will miss you so much here in my beautiful Wimbledon ! Best of luck for your preparation and can’t wait to see our iconic King of Clay back at the Olympics ! You enrich our lives , now and forever 🙏❤️! Thank you Rafa – Vamos !
Think that’s the right decision to make to skip Wimbledon. No point shifting surfaces before the Olympics. I’m feeling like Rafa could be in prime shape for the Olympics and it will be fun to watch him play both Roland Garros and clay again!!
Will be watching and cheering for you, Rafa🫶 all the best!❤️
Just enjoy, Rafa❤️