Rafael Nadal of Team Spain plays a backhand during a tennis training session ahead of the Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend, returns to the court that has been magical throughout his career, having won the Roland Garros tournament 14 times. He is set to compete in the men's doubles with Carlos Alcaraz. However, a thigh injury will unfortunately prevent him from participating in the singles event, marking his farewell to the Games in that category.

Paris will see Andy Murray's farewell as a professional player. Rafa Nadal can't say as much, but it will be his last Olympic Games. On Thursday he had a physical problem in his thigh that made him cancel the training he was going to do with the German tennis player Alexander Zverev.

Rafael Nadal is currently resting in an attempt to recover. His coach, Carlos Moya, is hopeful that the 48 hours between the injury and Nadal's debut at Paris 2024 will be sufficient for recovery. However, there are no guarantees that Nadal will be able to compete in the singles tournament. If he does play, he will face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics.

What is certain is that Nadal will participate in the doubles event with Carlos Alcaraz, the rising Spanish tennis star who recently won Wimbledon for the second time. Doubles matches are less physically demanding, which is a positive for Nadal. In the first round, they will compete against the Argentine duo of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.



The doubles opener is set for Saturday at 19:00 local time, while the singles match is scheduled for Sunday. This weekend will be crucial in determining whether Rafael Nadal returns to compete at Roland Garros. Nadal has delivered some of his finest performances on this court, having won the tournament a record 14 times, a feat that may well stand the test of time.

The draw for the singles tournament has left the possibility of Nadal facing Novak Djokovic in the second round. The opponent against whom he has played the most times. One of the great rivalries in the history of sport. They have faced each other 59 times on the court. Djokovic has won 30. Nadal, 29. The Serbian player has said he would love to meet the Spaniard.



Following the draw, news of Rafael Nadal's injury emerged. This prompted several messages on social media from Novak Djokovic fans suggesting that the injury might be a mere excuse, driven by Nadal's apprehension about facing the Serbian champion.

If Nadal and Djokovic were to meet in Paris 2024, it could potentially be their final encounter. Nadal has indicated that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career, although he has not specified an exact timeline. This year could well mark the conclusion of the Spanish player's career, even if he continues to compete beyond the Games.