Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz tempered expectations for Spain's dream team on Wednesday as they looked ahead to playing together in the Paris Olympics.
Rafael Nadal reached his first final in two years on Saturday, beating qualifier Duje Ajdukovic
Roger Federer paid tribute to his retiring rival Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, telling the Spaniard he challenged him like no other player.
Nadal will team up with newly-crowned French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz to play in the doubles at the Olympics.
As Rafael Nadal prepares to ride off into the sunset after a stellar career, his fellow professionals from eras old and new agree on one thing - the Spaniard remains an inspirational role model whose legacy has shaped tennis over the last 23 years.
Nadal held his nerve as he was tested by the 91st-ranked Argentine
Rafael Nadal said a MRI scan had shown a micro tear on a muscle.
Spain's dream team met its match as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's hopes of an Olympic doubles gold medal were ended by American duo Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek on Wednesday.
Rafa Nadal suffered a setback in his Paris 2024 Olympics preparations on Sunday as he was beaten 6-3 6-2 in the Swedish Open final by Portuguese seventh seed Nuno Borges.
Rafael Nadal said he was still in two minds about whether he will play in the French Open.
World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz will pair up with 22-times Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Carlos Alcaraz completed a thrilling comeback to capture his fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open on Sunday, drawing level with his childhood idol Rafael Nadal's tally at the same age.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz clash in the Australian Open final with history on the line as Djokovic chases a record 25th Slam and Alcaraz eyes a career Grand Slam.
Nadal expresses doubt over Australian Open participation
Rafael Nadal has decided not to participate in the US Open due to concerns about his fitness
'If I feel ready, I'm going to try to be there and fight for the things I have been fighting for the last 15 years, (even) if now seems impossible.'
His representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo said the results of the surgery were expected on Saturday.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic will bid for a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park and 25th Grand Slam crown overall.
Novak Djokovic said he owes much of his success to his former rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Nadal had previously said this year could be his final one on the tour.
Nadal was given a stiff test by the 24-year-old in a match which lasted almost three hours on centre court, and now faces Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz.
Speaking further, the 1983 World Cup winning star reflected on Virat Kohli's mindset ahead of the challenging Australian tour, underlining the mental demands the series will bring.
The Spaniard, who has slipped to world number 672, said he was feeling much better than a year ago but added that he cannot have long-term goals just yet.
Nadal says Olympics main goal after early Roland Garros defeat
Rafael Nadal trailed in the second set before overcoming No. 5 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal all took to social media to congratulate the Italian.
Rafael Nadal says he will decide when to retire following the Paris Olympics after losing in straight sets to 24-times Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in the second round of the singles.
Nadal skipped tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami as well as the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters after suffering the injury he suffered at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal said farewell to tennis and his fans saluted their retiring hero in a bittersweet and emotional ceremony at a sold-out Malaga arena
The French Open, which Nadal has won a record 14 times including last year, starts on May 28.
Sumit Nagal got the big break as he was the highest ranked player in that draw.
Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to Roland Garros on Sunday
'My big farewell would be a joy of winning with everyone'
Although Nadal has revealed that he has seen improvements in his hip injury after trying a new treatment, the question still remains: Will Rafa defend his title at the French Open?
Cameras captured heartwarming moments of Rafa Jr. cheering from the stands alongside Nadal's wife, Maria Francisca Perello.
Rafael Nadal last appeared in a semi-final at Wimbledon in 2022.
'I feel super, super lucky for all the things I have been able to experience. I want to thank the whole tennis industry, all the people who are involved in this sport.'
'I've never been of the thought that Rafa needs rhythm because he's too good for that. But now the situation is different.'
Novak Djokovic said he is still hoping for a final chapter in their storied rivalry.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances