Inside Nadal's preference for camaraderie over comfort at the Paris Olympics

Spain’s legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal explained the reason for staying at the Olympic Village. The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era in the singles category.

Nadal is one of the most high-profile athletes participating in the Paris Olympics. The mega-event started on Friday, and thousands of athletes from around the world are participating to secure the ultimate glory for their respective countries. Despite being such a high-profile player, the Spaniard decided to stay at the Olympic Village, a facility built for participating athletes.

That was completely contrasting to Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, who decided to stay at the hotel instead of the Olympic Village. It was reported earlier that Nadal is one of the most followed athletes in the vicinity, as players from different countries are eager to take pictures with him. The former world number one was recently quoted in a report where he explained the decision behind staying at the Olympic Village.

“I think to live the full experience you need to be in the village, that’s true,” said Nadal “Of course for us it’s a little bit [less] comfortable and we are used to staying in hotels or houses with the things probably more comfortable than how the things are in the village but, I mean, when you are in the Olympics I think playing in an Olympic Games without being in the village is like playing another event.”

Much to the surprise of tennis lovers, Nadal decided to participate in the singles and doubles categories. However, his journey in the singles category ended on Monday as he lost to Djokovic in the second round in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. His journey in the doubles category continues as he, along with his partner Carlos Alcaraz, will face the Dutch pair of Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.