Nadal to miss Wimbledon, aiming for better preparation for the Olympic Games

(Patria) - Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal (38) has decided to skip this year's Wimbledon tournament.

The popular Rafa wants to better prepare for the Olympic Games, which begin in Paris at the end of July.

Nadal won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, but as many as 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles were won at Roland Garros on clay courts.

This year's Olympic tournament will be played on clay. Nadal is expected to compete in the men's doubles at the Games, paired with this year's Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz.

"I have been training on clay all this time, and after learning yesterday that I will compete in the Olympic Games in Paris, I believe it is best for my body not to change surfaces until then.

I am sorry that this means I will not play at Wimbledon due to the great atmosphere at that major tournament which will always be in my heart," Nadal announced.

During my post match press conference at Roland Garros I was asked about my summer calendar and since then I have been practicing on clay. It was announced yesterday that I will play at the summer Olympics in Paris, my last Olympics.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 13, 2024

Wimbledon will be held this year from July 1 to 14, and the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11.