"Doesn't make sense to stay in a hotel": Rafael Nadal gives his take on staying in Olympic Village, days after Novak Djokovic's lack of privacy claim

Rafael Nadal recently touched on his decision to stay at Paris' Olympic Village. While Novak Djokovic recently explained why he himself had chosen to stay outside the village this time, Nadal said “it didn’t make sense” to him to stay at a hotel during his campaign.

Nadal is making his third and final appearance at the Olympics in Paris. He entered both men’s singles and doubles, partnering compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish duo has opted to stay in the Olympic Village during their campaign.

In the days leading to the event, Rafael Nadal and Alcaraz became the center of attention at the Village, with a myriad of athletes from various sports eager to click selfies with the two icons. The pair happily obliged, much to the delight of their fellow competitors.

It is worth noting that athletes at the Olympic Village have to stay in a shared space with their compatriots. When asked during a press conference about his decision to skip the hotel life during the fortnight, Rafael Nadal first said:

"Of course for us it’s a little bit [less] comfortable and we are used to staying in hotels or houses with the things probably more comfortable than how the things are in the village."

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, however, went on to emphasize the uniqueness of the community experience.

"But, I mean, when you are in the Olympics I think playing in an Olympic Games without being in the village is like playing another event," he added. "So it’s only once every four years and for me, personally, don’t make sense to stay in a hotel. We stay in a hotel every single week."

Nadal’s comments come after Novak Djokovic’s contradictory take. The Serb stayed at the Olympic Village for a couple of days during his Tokyo campaign and took center stage at the time, with competitors flocking to get a glimpse of him. However, he skipped the experience in Paris in favor of “more privacy.”

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Rafael Nadal's men's singles campaign at Paris Olympics 2024 halted by Novak Djokovic

The Spaniard (L) and Novak Djokovic pictured at Paris Olympics 2024 - Source: Getty

Rafael Nadal, who clinched the gold in men’s singles at Beijing 2008, made it to the second round in the category this time, following a victory over Marton Fucsovics. He suffered a defeat to his arch-rival Novak Djokovic at this stage.

Despite his crushing 6-1, 6-4 loss though, the 14-time French Open champion has extended his stay at Paris’ Olympic Village, thanks to his partnership with Carlos Alcaraz.

The legendary duo has advanced to the quarterfinals, beating Argentines Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in the first round and following it up with a victory against Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.

They face Americans Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek for a spot in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 31.