Rafael Nadal opts out of Wimbledon to prioritize Olympics

Rafael Nadal is focused on winning a second Olympic gold medal in men’s singles next month in Paris. He has decided to skip Wimbledon in order to concentrate on training on clay courts ahead of the Paris Olympics. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam Champion and two-time Wimbledon winner, will compete in both the men’s singles and men’s doubles tournaments at the Olympics, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz.

Both events will take place on the clay courts of Roland Garros, as will the Nordea Open in Båstad, Sweden, where Nadal will play as part of his Olympic preparation. Nadal expressed his disappointment at missing Wimbledon this year, a tournament that holds a special place in his heart and where he has enjoyed strong support from British fans.

In his farewell year on tour, Nadal is looking to add to his Olympic medal collection by securing a second singles gold medal after his victory in 2008. He also won doubles gold in 2016. Nadal, who recently turned 38, has faced challenges with injuries to his hip and abdomen over the past two years, including surgery in 2023.

The Paris Olympics will kick off on July 26 and conclude on August 11, where Nadal will aim to make his mark and add to his impressive tennis legacy.