Nadal Contemplates Singles Future at Paris Olympics After Doubles Win

PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal remains uncertain about his participation in singles at the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite a successful first-round doubles match alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Following their victory, Nadal expressed his desire to make a well-informed decision regarding his potential to secure a medal, stating, “I don’t know if I’m going to play or not.” He emphasized the importance of consulting with his team before finalizing his plans. The 38-year-old tennis icon has not confirmed whether the Summer Games will mark the conclusion of his illustrious career, although speculation abounds due to his ongoing injury challenges. Notably, Nadal was seen with white tape on his right thigh during the match, raising concerns about his physical condition. The Olympics are being held at Roland Garros, a venue deeply connected to Nadal, where he has won a record 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. Nadal described the experience of playing alongside Alcaraz as “amazing” and “emotional,” highlighting the significance of their partnership. He praised Alcaraz’s performance during critical moments of the match, stating, “It’s easy playing with him,” and expressed admiration for the younger player’s achievements in the sport. The atmosphere at Court Philippe Chatrier was electric, with fans showing immense support for Nadal, who engaged with the crowd and his partner throughout the match. While Nadal’s future in singles remains uncertain, his presence in the doubles event has already generated excitement among fans, who continue to rally behind the legendary player.