Rafael Nadal
may not be able to compete in the Paris Olympics due to the current regulations
set by the ITF with the latest info confirmed for 2024.
2024 is
likely to be Nadal's last year as a professional, as he announced before
withdrawing from the French Open. He will miss all competitions in 2023 and plans
to return next year to conclude his successful career, which includes 20 Grand
Slam titles and the gold medal he won at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
But since then he seemingly receives a spot in the Olympic Games with Pedro Martinez not very happy as he will be among those to miss out due to Nadal getting a spot in the Spain team with an exemption. The rules though initially denied him.
Playing in
Paris 2024 could be an ideal setting for Nadal's retirement, as the tournament
takes place on the clay courts of Roland Garros, where he has won 14 times. But he has since found his way to likely put that on hold for the time being with a 2025 return to the tournament mooted. Even if he doesn't retire at the Olympic Games, it will likely be later in 2024.
The current
rules of the ITF would not allow Rafael Nadal to play representing Spain in
Paris 2024, as he has not played in the last two editions of the Davis Cup.
Dietloff von Arnim, President of the German Tennis Federation, expressed his
opinion on the matter:
“That is
the rule. Why do we make it so difficult?”
“Rafa is
thinking about playing in Paris. Make it easy for them to play there. They want
to play. We have to change the rules. I’m not sitting on the board or the
Olympic committee but I think we should discuss it.”
Von Arnim
is a candidate for the presidency of the ITF and is competing against David
Haggerty, the current incumbent. He also mentioned the case of Alexander
Zverev, the gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics:
“If I can
still do so I would surely do it, and think about points for the Olympics,
because I think from the players point of view it’s not fair,” he said.
“We should
make it easy for the players to play and take the obstacles away. Let them
play, make it easy for them. We have to make all of our decisions understandable
to the players and support their point of view.
“Sascha
[Zverev] came to me and said ‘can you please explain to me why I did not get
points at the Olympics?’. I think it’s so important that tennis is played at
the Olympics. The players love it, we love it for the promotion of the game,” von
Armim added.
“But why
did Sascha not get points? Why don’t we do that? We are the ITF, we have to
talk to the ATP, and let’s make a fair adjustment that players get points.
Sascha was not happy at all”, he concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
