"Don't know if I'll play... It seems outrageous": Rafael Nadal blasts Paris Olympics scheduling, bemoans timing of singles opener after doubles 1R win

Rafael Nadal has cast doubt on his participation in his opening singles match at the 2024 Paris Olympics after triumphing in his doubles opener with Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also lambasted the scheduling for the Olympics, criticizing the timing of his first-round singles clash.

Shortly after his commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Lebanon's Hady Habib in his opening singles match, Alcaraz joined Nadal on court for their doubles debut against the Argentine pair of Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. The Spanish duo proved to be a formidable pairing, as they claimed a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over the sixth seeds in an hour and 47 minutes on Saturday, July 27.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion raved about the "electrifying" atmosphere after the win, acknowledging the "emotional night" of his return to Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.

However, Rafael Nadal voiced his discontent upon learning that his opening singles match against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics was scheduled for 2:00 pm local time on Sunday, following the match between Barbora Krejcikova and Sara Sorribes Tormo.

With speculation mounting over the Spaniard potentially withdrawing from singles due to injury concerns, the 38-year-old admitted that he's unsure of whether he will take the court against Fucsovics, citing the need to consult with his team.

"I don't know if I'll play tomorrow. I have to evaluate it with my team. Sometimes less is more," he said.

Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo, Nadal laid bare his frustration with the scheduling, calling it "outrageous" for his singles match to be scheduled so early in the day.

The 38-year-old reaffirmed his intention to confer with his team and make a decision about his participation that would be best for Spain's chances of securing a medal.

"Do I play at 2:00 p.m.? I don't understand the schedule. It seems outrageous to me when I'm playing tomorrow at two o'clock. I don't know, I'll have to go back to the village and talk to the team. I'll make the decision that I think is most appropriate to have a chance of getting results for Spain," he said.

The uncertainty surrounding the 22-time Grand Slam champion's participation in singles will be especially disappointing, as a victory over Fucsovics would pave the way for a highly anticipated second-round clash with his arch-rival Novak Djokovic.

---

"I'm looking forward to our last dance" - Novak Djokovic anticipates 'blockbuster' clash with Rafael Nadal in Paris Olympics 2R

Novak Djokovic (left) and Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic, who is only taking part in the men's singles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made a strong start to his campaign with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over Australia's Matthew Ebden.

Following the win, the Serb humorously remarked that he had done his bit to set up a blockbuster second-round clash against Rafael Nadal, acknowledging the "great hype" around their potential battle.

"Yeah there is a great hype around that (potentially meeting Nadal in the second round).

"I mean, I did my part of the job, and obviously he has to win his first round (match) tomorrow. I've got to get ready for that one obviously. It can be a blockbuster," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

Djokovic also expressed his readiness for the much-awaited encounter, highlighting that it could be the "last dance" in their storied rivalry.

"It's one of the matches or one of the events I guess that a lot of people at the Olympics in Paris this year are looking forward to. When the draw came out, we knew that there is a high probability that it might happen, so I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to our last dance so to say, possibly on this court," he added.

Should Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet in the second round of the Paris Olympics, it will mark their 60th career meeting. The Spaniard will have the opportunity to level their head-to-head record, as Djokovic enjoys a narrow 30-29 lead.