Rafael Nadal has indicated that there is a chance he will not be playing at the US Open amid questions about his future after getting knocked out of the Olympics.
Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz lost in the quarter-finals of the Olympic doubles tournament on Wednesday evening. The duo were beaten 6-2, 6-4 by American fourth seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. The defeat ends Nadal’s bid in Paris after he also lost in the second round of the singles tournament earlier this week to Novak Djokovic.
Following his exit, the 38-year-old is set to take a break before deciding on his future. It had been suggested that the Olympics could be his final event as a professional player. However, he is currently entered to play in the Laver Cup later this year which was the event where Roger Federer played his final match.
“I’m happy with the love and support I receive here every time I step out on court. I don’t know if this was the last time (at Roland Garros),” Nadal said in Spanish whilst speaking to reporters in the mixed zone.
“Possibly, yes. One stage has ended for me: my objective was to focus on the Olympic Games and afterwards I’d have to decide, and that’s what I will do.
“Now I go home and rest and disconnect a bit. When I have [a clear mind], I will take the decision of what the next stage will be for me.”
Nadal is currently on the entry list for the US Open but has previously explained that the reason why is so that he has the option to enter. When asked if would be playing in the final major of the year, he played down those chances.
“Looks like not but I’m gonna let you know soon,” he replied.
“For me, now, I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time. But for me, looks difficult.”
Despite being one of the most decorated players in history, the Spaniard explains his priorities in the sport have now changed.
“I came here (to the Olympics) with the goal to give as much chance as possible to win a medal and I needed to play doubles and honestly at this stage of my career I play for feelings, I play for emotions more than results.” He said.
“And for me the emotion and the feeling to be on court with Carlos and the expectation that we created in Spain too andyou see that playing doubles, full stadium every single time, amazing atmosphere, is something that I bring back home.”
“I won enough in my career, I won much more than what I ever dreamed so for me it’s about enjoying different experience and for me, that’s another lifetime experience too, to share with Carlos – an amazing player that I think is going to be of course one of the best in history too. To share this moment for [the] Spanish team. So I enjoyed that, and that’s it.”
Nadal has won 92 ATP titles and earned more than $134M during his career.
NOTE – quotes via olympics.com/express.co.uk
