Need to clear my head and be ready for Olympics: Rafael Nadal

PARIS: The 2024 season was supposed to be Rafael Nadal’s last in the sport. A curtain call. The tennis world had steeled itself.
After a year spent in repairing and rehabbing a repelling body, the 37-year-old was ready to start in Australia in January. Until he wasn’t. More issues. Abdominal, then hip or the other way round. The Spaniard was in an impossible race to get his body ready for Roland Garros.In the end, he was short by a few tournament weeks.
In the lead-up to this fortnight’s clay court major, Nadal’s body was falling in step, and in the last week, it allowed him the elasticity to stretch, to go beyond the boundaries of restraint. He was reaching further than he had in two years.
It made the 22-time major winner think. Was it time yet, or did he have more steps in those legs? If anything, his straight sets loss to the in-form fourth seed Alexander Zverev late on Monday, was a confirmation.
Maverick Frenchman Gael Monfils wasted no time in seconding it. “With what Rafa showed us today,” Monfils said, “he would beat so many in the draw. So many.”
For now the goal is the Olympics in July-August at Roland Garros, where he hopes to play singles and doubles.
“I need to clear my head and be ready for my main goal which is now to play the Olympics,” he said.
The legendary Spaniard was all over the court in the first-round outing here, earning huge approval from fans on Court Philippe Chatrier. Every time his muscular frame swiveled for a sizzling forehand the fans were in a tizzy.
Nadal doesn’t want regrets.
“At the end, it’s about not having the (competitive) feeling for one year and a half,” he said, “but that I didn't give myself a real chance, because when I started to become a little bit healthier, I stopped.”
The press conference room at Roland Garros was straining with moist-eyed adults, who were trying to assemble words for questions to the 14-time champion.
“In terms of what's driving me, I'm a simple guy. I enjoy what I do. I’m passionate about sport, I’m passionate about competition. I like to practice, I like to play tennis,” he said. “I'm in a different moment of my personal life too, traveling with my son and wife. I’m enjoying these moments.”
“So, if I keep enjoying doing what I’m doing and I feel competitive and healthy, I want to keep going for a while,” Nadal said. “I don't know for how long, but I want to keep going for a while. I need to give myself a little bit longer to see if my level is (getting better) and my body is holding.”
“That's why I am not saying I am retiring today,” he finished.
In Spanish media circles there’s an understanding that if Nadal’s body holds up he may play next year. It can be a prayer, a hymn, playing on loop. Or as Nadal would say, it’s a true, no?