Rafael Nadal speaking at a Paris press conference
(Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Rafa Nadal fans will be very disappointed to learn that their idol will not be playing Wimbledon this year, confirming what he hinted at during the French Open. It also means the Spanish icon, who has twice lifted the men’s golden trophy, may never be seen playing competitively at The Championships again as he has more than hinted this would be his last year on the tour!
The reason behind the decision is his desire to play the Olympic Games in Paris at the end of July where he will certainly be partnering Carlos Alcaraz in doubles, and as the tennis event is on the Roland Garros clay courts, he doesn’t want to disrupt his preparations for that event.
And to maintain that consistency he will play on clay in Bastad in Sweden the week after Wimbledon.
“During my post-match press conference at Roland Garros I was asked about my summer calendar and since then I have been practicing on clay. It was announced yesterday that I will play at the summer Olympics in Paris, my last Olympics,” Nadal posted on Twitter/X account.
“With this goal, we believe that the best for my body is not to change surface and keep playing on clay until then. It’s for this reason that I will miss playing at the Championships this year at Wimbledon. I am saddened not to be able to live this year the great atmosphere of that amazing event that will always be in my heart, and be with all the British fans that always gave me great support. I will miss you all.
“In order to prepare for the Olympic Games, I will play the tournament in Bastad, Sweden. A tournament that I played earlier in my career and where I had a great time both on and off the court. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Thank you”
He last played on the grass at the AELTC in 2022 when he defeated America’s Taylor Swift in the quarter finals over five only to withdraw injured from the tournament in the next round where he was due to face Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
With Nadal now absent and Novak Djokovic doubtful and the retirement of Roger Federer, this forthcoming Championships could be the first since 1998 without one of the ‘Big Three’ featuring in the draw.
