Toni Nadal shared insights into what can be expected from Rafael Nadal in the 2024 season and expressed the view that the Paris Olympic Games potentially could mark the tournament of his retirement.
In a recent interview with former world No. 1 Marion Bartoli on RMC Sports, Rafael Nadal's uncle provided details about his nephew's preparation and expectations regarding his performance.
🇪🇸 Toni Nadal says that Rafa intends to play a ‘full calendar’ in 2024, rather than the much shortened one which has been suggested by some. Stoppage point could be Olympics at Roland Garros, if not healthy. If he is, he will likely continue past that 💪 Source: RMC Sport 🗣️
Toni Nadal mentioned that the 22-times Grand Slam champion has displayed a high level of competitiveness during training sessions and is aiming for the French Open as the primary goal of the season. Moreover, he speculated that the Paris Olympic Games might serve as a fitting conclusion to Nadal's illustrious career:
“Rafael is doing well. He’s back in training with good intensity, with the most important thing being the (dream) of playing the French Open again,” he said.
“I don’t think he’s thought about retiring, for one simple reason, which he’s told me many times. He doesn’t want to retire with the feeling of being injured,” Toni Nadal added.
According to Felix Auger-Aliassime's current coach, Rafael Nadal is anticipating a successful year and plans to compete in both Roland Garros and the Olympic Games in Paris. The latter event could potentially mark the culmination of his illustrious career, though it all hinges on how his body responds upon his return:
“What he dreams of is having a good year, trying to play at a very high level again. He knows it’s going to be very difficult, because every year it gets harder and harder… But his dream is to try to be here again, especially to play in Paris again. If his body is fine, he thinks he’ll have the chance to do really great things at Roland Garros.
“The important thing is not to try to win, but to have the feeling of playing well,” Toni Nadal claimed.
“He has the will to still be here, he loves tennis, he loves competition, he loves the game. It’s his dream to play the tournaments he loves one last time. The more he plays, the more competitive he will be. We know that his legs aren’t the same as they were 10 years ago, but in his head nothing has changed. He still has the same determination,” he concluded.
