Rafael Nadal will not be taking part in the Wimbledon tennis classic. As the 22-time Grand Slam champion announced on social media on Thursday, he wants to concentrate on preparing for the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris.
“We believe it is best for my body not to change surfaces and continue playing on clay,” Nadal said.
The 38-year-old was recently defeated in the first round of the French Open by Alexander Zverev. The Olympic tennis competition, like the most important clay tournament for professionals, is held at Roland Garros. Wimbledon, on the other hand, is played on grass. The tournament there begins on July 1. On Wednesday it was announced that Nadal will also compete in doubles at the Olympics with his Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal, who has recently been plagued by injuries, had already indicated after the French Open that changing the surface would not be “smart”. He has now announced that he has been training on clay since his elimination there. He regretted his cancellation of Wimbledon: “I am sad that this year I will not be able to experience the great atmosphere of this great event, which will remain in my heart forever.”
The king of the clay court will be experiencing his last Olympic Games in Paris, where he will also compete in the singles competition. It is also likely that he will end his career after this season, although Nadal has not yet confirmed this. The Games will open on July 26.
2024-06-14 05:44:00
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