ITF rules would prevent Nadal retiring at 2024 Olympic Games in spiritual home of Paris

Tuesday, 04 June 2024 at 18:08

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.

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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.”

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🎾Un día como hoy, pero de 2008, Rafael Nadal lograba una de sus conquistas más épicas: 🥇La medalla de ORO en los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008🇪🇸 📹 @olympicchannel

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11:10 PM · Aug 17, 2020

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“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.

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