"It hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam" - Rafael Nadal savors return to Olympics at Paris 2024 after London and Tokyo absence

Rafael Nadal is gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be his first major event since the French Open earlier this year. Nadal, also known as the 'King of clay,' will be eyeing Olympic glory in Paris as the marquee event returns to clay for the first time in over three decades.

Nadal recently appeared at a press conference held for the Spanish tennis team, accompanied by Carlos Alcaraz, David Ferrer, Pablo Carreño and Anabel Medina Garrigues. The 22-time Grand Slam winner revealed the importance of an event like the Olympics for him.

“It's a great opportunity to be at the Games, the largest sporting event in the world. I appreciate being here. This will be my last. I've missed two (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020) and it hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam," Nadal said.

Nadal further commented on his relationship with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz:

"We have maintained a good relationship, an opportunity to get to know each other better and live together. Being with him rejuvenates you. It's nice to see someone like Carlos experience his first Olympic Games."

Rafael Nadal boasts a formidable Olympic record. His first medal came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in men's singles, as he captured gold on his Olympic debut. He went on to win the men's doubles at Rio 2016 with Marc Lopez, making him the first male player to achieve a career Grand Slam and win Olympic golds in both singles and doubles.

For the 2024 Olympics, Nadal is all set to partner with Carlos Alcaraz in men's doubles.

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Rafael Nadal enters 2024 Olympics on the back of first tour final in two years

Rafael Nadal at 2024 French Open - Day 2 - Getty Images

Nadal participated in the recently-concluded 2024 Swedish Open in Bastad. The Spaniard stormed into the finals but faced a crushing defeat to Portugal's Nuno Borges. Nevertheless, this marked Nadal's first ATP Tour final since Roland-Garros 2022.

Nadal entered the summit clash with high expectations but was unable to match Borges's play and ended up losing 6-3, 6-2

The Bastad Open provided the Spaniard ample clay practice for the Olympics. Nadal, who has won a record 14 French Open titles, will be hoping to clinch another gold as he prepares to participate in what would be his last Games.