Rafael Nadal asked about retirement, chances of playing 2024 Paris Olympics

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, 36, insists he is not trying to visualize or predict his retirement but admitted he would like his farewell to come on a tennis court. Nadal, a record 22-time Grand Slam champion, recently witnessed Roger Federer's farewell at the Laver Cup.

Federer, 41, was out for more than a year before returning for one final match at the Laver Cup. Nadal, who battled foot, rib and abdominal injuries in 2022, is coming off another injury-plagued year and many are wondering for long will the Spaniard remain active.

"As for my retirement, I don't visualize it for a simple fact, because I'm not too much into trying to guess, predict or prepare for the future, because things change very fast, don't they? I know that that moment is closer than it was last year, without any doubt, and than it was two years ago.

That's pure logic. But in the end it's a thing that when it has to happen, it will happen. I would like it to be on a tennis court, that's for sure," Nadal told Marca.

Nadal asked about playing the 2024 Paris Olympics

This year, Nadal captured a record 14th French Open title.

In a year and a half, the 2024 Paris Olympics will be taking place. The tennis tournament at the 2024 Olympics will be held on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Roland Garros is by far Nadal's most successful venue and many would like to see the Spaniard competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Well, I don't know. I really don't visualize it. Besides, there is another issue and that is that when you start thinking a lot about retirement you are already entering that dynamic and I am not at that point," Nadal said.

In early June - during the 2023 French Open - Nadal will be turning 37. It remains to be seen if Nadal can avoid major injuries in 2023 and win more Grand Slams.