All the hype and excitement regarding Rafael Nadal coming at the Paris Olympics may have to be put on hold.
The tennis legend is preparing to compete in what is likely to be his third and final Olympics having missed the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
Nadal reached the final of last week’s Swedish Open to boost his match sharpness ahead of competing for a second singles gold medal.
But with 48 hours remaining before the tennis event at the Olympics is due to commence, Nadal’s biggest Achilles heel throughout his career is once again causing him problems.
What has Rafael Nadal’s coach said about his fitness?
Nadal arrived in the French capital from Bastad and has been working hard ahead of competing at the Olympic Games.
He has engaged in some intense practice sessions both solo and joint sessions with Carlos Alcaraz, who he is set to play doubles with.
But according to a Spanish radio station titled Radioestadio Noche, Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya said he cancelled his two scheduled practice sessions on Thursday due to discomfort in his right thigh/hamstring while practicing on Wednesday.
The 2004 French Open winner also said: “I can’t assure you that Nadal will play”. He added: “It was a setback and we decided that today Rafa would rest and not train to recover. We are going to give ourselves 48 hours, we have to wait.”
Who is Rafael Nadal due to play next?
Nadal is due to commence his Olympics campaign against Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics, with a potential second-round showdown with Novak Djokovic on the cards.
This would be the pair’s first meeting and the 32-year-old is entering the match on a four-match losing streak.
But ahead of the contest, Fucsovics told reporters that is ready to try and cause a shock at the Olympic Games despite his poor form.
“Mixed emotions, not happy because it’s a tough opponent, but happy because I’ve never played Rafa before,” Fucsovics said.
“Special occasion, could be the last chance with good play, I can surprise him, I trained with Zsombi Piros because he is left handed.”
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