"Does not sound like Rafael Nadal wants to retire yet", "So annoying, just retire" - Fans divided over Spaniard's comments after Paris Olympics exit

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have bowed out of the men's doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Spanish pair were defeated by America's Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek in the quarterfinals.

After the match, Nadal's comments about his future left fans divided.

After his quarterfinal loss, Nadal reflected on the past few months of continuous playing. He has participated in six clay court tournaments since April. The Spaniard claimed he enjoyed playing despite "some problems and disappointments."

Regarding his future, Nadal said:

"When I am clear about what I will do in the future with or without a racket in my hand, I will let you know... If I don't have the desire, strength or motivation to continue, I will hang up my racket.”

His comments were posted on X by a tennis-related account and fans' reactions were divided.

Some fans concluded that the Spaniard did not want to retire yet and they expressed hope for the best for him in the future.

"Does not sound like he wants to retire yet," one wrote.

"I think he has a desire to continue playing. He has played decent recently and hasn’t had any major setbacks especially with limited rest. And I also think he wants to play so his son has memories of watching him play! Obviously the health factor is the biggest factor!" another said.

"Looks like he will play few tournaments in 2025 and then retire," a third fan wrote.

Some fans, however, were impatient and asked the Spaniard to hang up his racket.

"This dude is so annoying, just retire," a fan said.

"Retirement incoming!" another wrote.

"His retirement is long overdue," yet another said.

Nadal faced defeat against Novak Djokovic on Monday, July 29 in the second round of the singles event. With his loss in the men's doubles while partnering Alcaraz against the USA, Nadal's Paris Olympics campaign has ended.

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Rafael Nadal believes Carlos Alcaraz can become one of the best players in history

Carlos Alcaraz - Getty Images

The Spanish pair of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal were cheered on at the Roland Garros courts during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd backed them with all its might to help them earn a break when they were 4-5 down in the second set.

However, it was not meant to be as Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek held serve and won the match in straight sets.

The 38-year-old was all praise for his 21-year-old partner after their campaign together.

“It’s a beautiful memory of playing with a player who is going to be one of the best in history, I have little doubt about that if his body holds up, which ultimately also depends on that. Playing together here, with the atmosphere in every match we’ve played, representing Spain at the Olympics, is a unique and beautiful experience. I’ve enjoyed it as much as I could,” Nadal said.

Although Nadal's Olympics campaign is over, Alcaraz remains a strong contender for a medal in the singles event. The Spaniard will take on Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 1.