Nadal Wavers on US Open After Paris Olympics: “I’m going to decide”

Spain’s Rafael Nadal aims to cap off his illustrious career on a high note as he prepares for his final appearance on the clay courts of Paris during the Olympic Games. While Nadal is set to fulfill his wish of competing on the clay in Paris, his participation in the US Open remains uncertain. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is likely to retire after this season due to persistent injuries, possibly concluding his career after the Paris Olympics.

Nadal’s Uncertainty About the US Open
“I needed to book to have the chance to decide after that, that’s as simple as that. Nothing changed for me. I’m going to decide what’s going on after the Olympics,” Nadal stated during a press conference on Thursday.

“By the way, I will be playing in the Laver Cup but, to be clear and to not create false expectations, I am not sure at all if I will be in New York or not. No decision today, and the decision will not happen before the end of the Olympics,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion added.

In the past two years, Nadal has struggled with injuries, which have significantly impacted his performance. He withdrew from both the Australian Open and Wimbledon and was eliminated in the first round of the French Open.

Currently, Nadal’s primary focus is on the Paris Olympics, where he will compete in both men’s singles and doubles. He previously won gold medals in men’s singles in 2008 and men’s doubles in 2016. This year, he will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles, where they are favorites to win the gold medal.

If Nadal is unable to participate in the US Open, his first-round defeat to Alexander Zverev at the French Open in May might be his final appearance in a Grand Slam match. His last Grand Slam victory was at the Australian Open in 2022, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set match at the Rod Laver Arena.