Noted coach Patrick Mouratoglou thinks Rafael Nadal skipping Wimbledon means he plans to play in 2025.
Nadal is unsure if he’ll retire after 2024, especially since his performance before Roland Garros was disappointing. His early exit from the tournament showed he’s far from his best, making a comeback seem unlikely.
Despite this, Nadal hasn’t ruled out playing beyond this year. He lost in the first round of the French Open but remained hopeful and didn’t make any final decisions.
Mouratoglou believes Nadal will continue playing past 2024 and sees his Wimbledon withdrawal as proof.
Mouratoglou’s Insight:
“The fact that he decides not to go to Wimbledon is also a strong sign that he wants to win the Olympics and that he thinks he can and that it is not his farewell year, going to every tournament to say goodbye. Otherwise, he would go to Wimbledon. No, he wants to win the Olympics so he’s going to prepare on clay.”
Fans might think it’s smart for Nadal to skip Wimbledon if he’s focusing on the Olympics.
It’s an interesting take from Mouratoglou. If Nadal wanted a final hurrah at Wimbledon, he’d probably play there. But with the Olympics on clay soon after, it makes sense for him not to compete at SW19 this year.
Whether Nadal will actually play in 2025 is still uncertain. However, it’s clear that his main goal for 2024 is preparing well for the Olympics.
“He’s going to probably play one or two ATP 250s on clay, most probably, to play some more matches. I think he will do well, first because he will have much more practice in terms of number of weeks, he will have some more competition and great conditions.”
What do you think about Nadal’s decision?
