Rafael Nadal has endured a tough 2024 thus far, and despite enjoying some notable highs on his comeback from injury, there have also been quite a few crushing lows too.
After all, the Spaniard is 38 years old now, and his body has failed him on too many occasions now to class it as reliable.
So, despite kickstarting his Olympics campaign with a fine doubles win with Carlos Alcaraz just yesterday, in a partnership that the tennis world has waited for some time to see, worries emerged over his availability to subsequently feature in the singles draw.
The physical torment of this particular type of tennis is so much more intense than sharing the court with another, and thus fears were justified.
Well, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has now made his decision.
Rafael Nadal makes huge Olympics decision
Whilst it emerged earlier today that he would be training on Philippe Chatrier, that did not mean much.
After all, having been pictured with heavy strapping on his thigh, it felt like there was a real race against time all of a sudden to ensure that he would be fit, given he had to make his decision in good time as well.
Pulling out would have marked a monumental move for the legendary veteran, who is almost certainly set to enjoy his final Olympics in Paris this summer, and thus he waited until the very last minute to confirm his decision.
But, play he will, and his match against Martin Fucsovics later today is now set to go ahead.
Should he beat the Hungarian, it will set up a mouth-watering second-round clash with Novak Djokovic, who cruised to victory just yesterday over Australia’s Matthew Ebden.
Rafael Nadal was frustrated with the Olympics scheduling for today though, and justifiably so with how his timings have worked out.
One last push for Olympic gold for Rafael Nadal
Whilst the singles is likely his least likely avenue for tangible medal success this summer, he will still give it his all.
And to rule out his chances would be foolish given where the tournament is being held, on the Parisian clay of Roland Garros.
The site of many triumphs for Rafael Nadal, he is always in with a shot when on this surface given his royalty-like status. It marks the perfect end to a glorious career, whether he is to win silverware or not.
Fans can just be delighted to see him feature at all, and it would be so supremely poetic for him to face Djokovic one last time before the two ease towards retirement.
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