Nadal: "I have not come here for a stroll, I trust in raising my level"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 25 Jul 2024 | 07.47

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Rafael Nadal shared some remarkable reflections on what it means to him to compete in an Olympic event, as well as his aspirations, both in singles and doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, at these Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He is aware that he needs to raise his level of play to have a chance at medals, but he believes he can do it.

The experience that Rafael Nadal is having at these Paris 2024 Olympic Games is one of the most magical moments in the Spaniard's career, especially after going through an odyssey of injuries that would not have made him think of himself as an Olympic athlete at 38. Knowing that being here is a gift and wanting to make the most of it, the Spanish player revealed his feelings going into this tournament and showered Carlos Alcaraz with praise during a chat with El Partidazo de la Cadena Cope.

- How he feels during the training sessions in Paris

"I feel good, very happy to experience the Olympics once again. This is a prize for me. Last week was tough, I spent a lot of time on the court and didn't play at a high level. If I keep recovering physically, I think what I did in Bastad could be beneficial. I didn't come here just for a stroll; I will try to give my best. If I play like last week, they will give me a chocolate medal, but I have the desire to play well, and historically, I tend to raise my level when representing Spain. I hope to have that extra energy needed," he stated.

- Praises for Carlos Alcaraz

"I have no doubts that he is the best player in the world. I have experience in some things, but that is not always an advantage because he has a lot of spontaneity to face important situations. I believe that if both of us can play well individually, the doubles will work. I will try to organize things when tactical situations arise during the match; that's where I can help, but Carlos manages tense moments on the court as well as or better than I do," he said before discussing Jannik Sinner's absence.

"I feel his absence a lot; I have a great relationship with him, and his season is impressive. For me, the top favorite was already Carlos, even before his absence. Then, it was him and Djokovic. I assume it will be a tough moment for him because one of my worst moments was losing in London 2012. I would have liked him to compete," said a hopeful Rafael Nadal eager to achieve something significant at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nadal: "No he venido aquí de paseo, confío en elevar mi nivel"