Sam Querrey assesses whether Rafael Nadal can achieve any success at the Olympic Games.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was determined to compete at the prestigious event for the third and likely final time.
The venue of Roland Garros, the scene of Nadal’s 14 French Open titles, will likely inspire the Spaniard to play some of his best tennis, which he has been searching for since his comeback at the start of 2024.
After a solid week at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Nadal has some matches under his belt before aiming to win his second singles Olympic gold medal.
Does Sam Querrey think Rafael Nadal can win the Olympic gold medal?
Nadal knows what it takes to win Olympic gold and it is well documented how successful he has been at Roland Garros.
These are the ingredients needed to succeed at the 2024 Olympics, but Nadal was not happy with his performances in Bastad.
He struggled for consistency and suffered lapses in concentration, two things never previously associated with the former World number one. Taking all these things into account, Querrey assessed Nadal’s chances of claiming glory at the Paris Olympics.
“For Rafa I feel like it’s all about the draw. At the French Open he played Zverev in the first round and there’s probably only a few people who beat him at the French and Zverev was one of them,” he told the French Connection Podcast.
“He just played a clay court event in Europe and made the final. Lost to a guy in Borges who, go back five years ago he would probably beat 10/10 times, but still a final is a final.
“If the draw opens up for him a little bit I can see him making a run, but I do feel like the tennis Gods would need to be looking down on him in a perfect way for him to be in medal contention.”
Rafael Nadal aims for more Olympic glory in Paris
Nadal has enjoyed plenty of success in the French capital throughout his career, and he is hungry for more glory in what is set to be his final Olympic Games.
This is another chance for him to play at Roland Garros, just two months after suffering a first-round exit at the French Open against Alexander Zverev.
As well as singles competition, Nadal will play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics, and he is excited to try and attain more success at such a prestigious event.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain. This is the most important event in sport. I hope I can find the energy I need and do some good training,” Nadal said.
“If I manage to play good tennis, I will also do so in doubles, but I must analyse well what happened this week and work hard.
“I am convinced that Carlos will be at a great level because he is coming in with confidence. We will train together this week.”
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