Following his loss to Nuno Borges in the Bastad final with scores of 6-3, 6-2, Rafael Nadal has shared his thoughts on his current tennis form. Despite reaching his first final since winning Roland-Garros two years ago, Nadal expressed dissatisfaction with his performance at the Nordea Open.
Physical and Mental Fatigue
Nadal, who described himself as “empty of energy, physically and mentally” against Borges, attributed his exhaustion to the demanding matches he played in the lead-up to the final. Within a 24-hour span, Nadal spent over six hours on court, battling through tough matches against Mariano Navone and Duje Ajdukovic. While he noted that his physical condition allowed him to handle long matches without discomfort, he was still critical of his game.
Discrepancies Between Training and Match Performance
Despite feeling good about his game during training, Nadal struggled to replicate that form in competition. “My level of play was far from the one I produced in training,” he admitted. He reflected on arriving in Bastad with high expectations based on his training but failing to showcase that level during the matches.
Focus on the Paris Olympics
Looking ahead, Nadal is now concentrating on the Paris Olympics, which he views as a significant event. “The Olympics are the most important event in sport; it’s special to represent Spain,” he said. Nadal is preparing for both singles and men’s doubles, where he will team up with Carlos Alcaraz. He expressed confidence in their partnership, stating, “I know that if I play well in singles, I will also play well in doubles, but I will have to work hard.”
Olympic Legacy and Future Goals
Nadal, who has won two Olympic gold medals—one in singles from Beijing and another in doubles from Rio with Marc López—is looking to add a third medal to his collection. He has high hopes for Alcaraz, expressing belief in his partner’s potential and confidence in his own preparation.
Current Ranking and Upcoming Tournaments
Currently ranked world No. 161, Nadal’s latest run in Bastad marks his best achievement of the season, bringing his overall record for the year to 11-6. He is set to compete next at the U.S. Open, starting from the main draw on August 26.
As Nadal gears up for the Paris Olympics starting July 27, his determination to represent Spain and achieve excellence remains strong.
