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Roger Federer expresses concern for Rafael Nadal with career on the ropes

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Roger Federer Rafael Nadal

The retired Swiss legend expressed his concern for Nadal after revealing he has been keeping up with the Spaniard’s recent results.

Roger Federer expressed his concern for Rafael Nadal’s physical condition after the veteran star made it to the final of the Swedish Open in July.

The Swiss icon, who turns 43 on August 8, bid an emotional farewell from the sport in September 2022, citing the toll of injuries on his body as the reason behind his decision to walk away.

Rafael Nadal Says He Is 'Close To Retirement,' Talks Roger Federer

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Federer chose Nadal as his final doubles partner in the last match of his incredible 24-year career at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. That put their unbreakable bond on full display as the pair struggled to hold back the tears in their final match together.

Naturally, the nature of their friendship hasn’t changed even after his retirement, as Federer exhibited his worries for his friend in a recent interview when he kept up with his progress in Bastad.

Nadal, 38, had battled through to the final of the tournament in preparation for his Olympics participation before losing 3-6, 2-6 to Nuno Borges in the final.

But he looked physically spent in the final, and Federer feared for Nadal given how he has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Nadal himself admitted he was exhausted after failing to win a medal at the Olympics, having played doubles with Carlos Alcaraz for Spain.

After being informed Nadal lost the final during an interview with Vogue, Federer said: “He lost? Oh, come on. Three and two [the scoreline] Oh, God. I saw he was down 1-0, love-40.

“That’s the last time I checked, a few hours ago, but when I saw the score, I was like, ‘Oh, no… I hope his body is okay’.”

Some might expect tennis to be at the back of Federer’s mind when he is unwinding with his family.

But the opposite appears to be true, with the tennis icon revealing himself to a keen armchair fan in his retirement along with his wife, Mirka, and four children, Myla and Charlene, both 14, and 10-year-old twins Leo and Lenny, 10.

“I do check in with the game almost daily to see scores and results. Watching is a whole different thing — I love watching it when it’s on TV,” he added.

“We’ve been watching a ton of football as well — the Euros, and now the Olympics are coming up, so I’m going to watch all of that. I’m a big sports fan. But again, I’m always out and about and busy.

“But especially in the evening, when the day unwinds and I have time to sit back and maybe go on YouTube and watch some highlights, I tend to do that. I like to be up to speed on what’s going on, because the guys play nice, and I like to see what they’re doing.”

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Sinner gives his thoughts on the Djokovic-Alcaraz ‘high level’ Olympic final

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Jannik Sinner Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz

Despite his preparations for the upcoming North American hardcourt season, World No.1 Jannik Sinner found time to watch the men’s Olympic final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, and was quick to praise the quality of tennis.

Djokovic and Alcaraz faced off on the clay courts of Roland Garros, which played host to the tennis event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. An Olympic gold medal was the only accolade missing from Djokovic’s resume, and the Serbian finally struck that accomplishment off his list as he prevailed in a 7-6(3) 7-6(2) victory.
In a rematch of the 2024 Wimbledon final, it was Djokovic who emerged victorious during their encounter at the Olympics. The 24-time Grand Slam champion seemed determined to achieve the one accomplishment that had eluded him his entire career, and dropped to the ground in tears following his victory.
Carlos Alcaraz Novak Djokovic

READ: Serena Williams slams Paris restaurant after claiming they turned her and her kids away

In an interview after the final, Sinner, who withdrew from the Olympics after consulting with his medical team, was asked to give his thoughts on the historic encounter.
“Yeah, of course, I watched a little bit,” responded Sinner. “Because in the beginning I was practicing, so when I came back I watched the whole second set. Yeah, it was a very high level match. I think everyone agrees with that. I think it was a very physical match.
“And you know when two of the best players in the world face each other at the moment, they are producing something very special so it was a pleasure to watch this kind of match and I think everyone of us enjoyed it, this kind of level. We don’t see it everyday so yeah, it was an amazing match.”

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“I put my heart, soul, body, everything on the line”: Novak Djokovic achieves Olympic Games destiny dream at age 37

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Novak Djokovic Olympic

Novak Djokovic finally got his hands on the one piece of silverware missing from his trophy case: the Olympic gold medal.

The Serbian tennis great beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in an enthralling men’s singles final at Roland Garros on Sunday (4 August).

Djokovic adds the gold medal to the bronze he won in Beijing 2008 to complete a historic ‘Golden Slam’ at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic wins gold

JUST IN: Carlos Alcaraz left in floods of tears as Olympic Games gold medal dream dissipates against Novak Djokovic

The record 24-time Grand Slam champion dropped to his knees and elbows as he was overcome by the gravity of the moment. For a few moments, Djokovic was seen trembling on the red clay of Court Phillipe-Chatrier.

Already considered the greatest male player of all time, Djokovic became the fifth in an elite group of players to complete the ‘Golden Slam’ – winning all four major titles and the Olympic singles gold. He joins Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams to achieve the feat.

The match was billed as the dream cross-generational clash pitting the 21-year-old Alcaraz against the 37-year-old Djokovic, the youngest and oldest to contest a singles gold medal since 1988.

The contest lived up to the hype as none of the players would give an inch resulting in two tiebreakers, with Djokovic finding the edge in to win in straight sets with the match lasting just short of three hours.

Djokovic dished out some payback after Alcaraz’s back-to-back finals victory over the Serb at Wimbledon last month.

“When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I actually thought I could win the match. I mean I believed that I could win, but to actually win it, because he keeps on coming back. He keeps on asking me to play my best tennis,” Djokovic said after the match.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m still in shock, honestly. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold at age 37. I finally did it.”

Alcaraz sat stunned and in tears after the draining match but would bow out of his maiden Olympics with a silver medal while sharing in a historic contest.

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Carlos Alcaraz left in floods of tears as Olympic Games gold medal dream dissipates against Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz Olympic

Carlos Alcaraz was left in floods of tears as his Olympic Games gold medal dream dissipated against Novak Djokovic losing out in two tie-breaks 7-6(4) and 7-6(5) to the greatest of all time.

Djokovic’s destiny was sealed with the Serbian only needing the gold medal to complete a career golden slam. But despite being at the start of his career and still being well within his 20’s when he plays in LA. It still showed how much it meant to Alcaraz.
A player who is not one to show emotion was in tears as he only took home the silver medal. Similar to Iga Swiatek who was in tears in losing the semi-final, Alcaraz is usually one to see the positive side.
Alex Corretja spoke to him on Eurosport and Alcaraz said that he gave everything but it wasn’t enough as he made him smile by the end of the interview amid tears. It was an emotional moment all around with Novak Djokovic also on tears.
Carlos Alcaraz BREAKS Down In Tears After Losing To Novak Djokovic In Paris Olympics Gold Medal Match : WATCH | Times Now

READ: Novak Djokovic sends threat to Carlos Alcaraz as Serb seeks revenge for Wimbledon

His famous IDEMO celebration saw him sat on his bench at the end of it with a towel wrapped around his eyes as he cried completing a career goal. He had never even reached a final of an Olympic Games no mind winning it.
On his final attempt ever, he has done it. A player who long couldn’t complete the yearly Golden Slam and just fell short didn’t do so again. Also against all the odds with some giving him minimal chance of winning against a player who seems to have his number. Alcaraz will be back but Djokovic proves again and again that he can’t be counted out and adds the final piece to the puzzle.

 

 

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Novak Djokovic sends threat to Carlos Alcaraz as Serb seeks revenge for Wimbledon

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Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz Olympic

Novak Djokovic has admitted he’s on the lookout for revenge when he meets Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic singles final.

Djokovic missed out on a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title last month, having been schooled by Alcaraz in the final at the All England Club.

Alcaraz romped to a straight-set victory during the pair’s mid-July encounter, while confirming back-to-back Wimbledon final victories over 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.

But Djokovic has vowed to go all out when he takes to court Philippe-Chatrier tomorrow afternoon for the Paris 2024 gold medal match against Alcaraz.

When is the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Olympic tennis gold medal match? | ATP Tour | Tennis

JUST IN: Djokovic finally breaks through to first Olympic final, set to face Alcaraz for the gold medal

Speaking after his semi-final victory over Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic said: “Although we played once [here], I beat him in the semis, I lost to him in the final of Wimbledon quite comfortably.

“Different surface… I feel like I’m playing and moving better than I did at Wimbledon, so hopefully I’ll come out and play my best tennis and in a way, I have nothing to lose as I’ve already secured a medal, so I’m going to go for it.”

There’s an added pressure on Djokovic heading into the gold medal match, given the 37-year-old has never topped the podium at the Olympics.

Making his debut at the Beijing Games 14 years ago, Djokovic does boast an Olympic medal, but only a bronze one – something he’s keen to change this weekend.

He added: “It was such a tense match [against Musetti], a lot of emotions. So much expectation and stress coming into today’s match, particularly [trying] to secure a medal for my country.

“A first final of the Olympics for me [so] I’m thrilled. Obviously I want to win the gold, in a few days’ time.

“I’m going to do my best to do that, but already this is a huge result for me under these circumstances and I was very nervous today, and before the match, I lost three out of four semi-finals of the Olympic Games that I’ve played in my career, so I really wanted to get through this hurdle.”

Remarkably, Djokovic enters the clash as the underdog, with Alcaraz the form player heading into Sunday’s match as the form player.

Alcaraz has won two of his last three tournaments, both of them Grand Slams, with the 21-year-old looking to add to his already illustrious honours list.

Gold at his debut Games will only serve to enhance Alcaraz’s status as one of – if not the – best in the tennis world right now.

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Djokovic finally breaks through to first Olympic final, set to face Alcaraz for the gold medal

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Novak Djokovic Olympic

Novak Djokovic (No. 2) reaches his first Olympic final first Olympic final after beating Lorenzo Musetti (No. 16) 6-4, 6-2.

The Serb had failed in all three of his Olympic semifinals so far, but at the age of 37, he is ready for gold. but at the age of 36 he is ready to challenge for gold for the first time in his career.

In a duel of high tension, Djokovic overcame a strong Musetti in the first set and eventually took advantage of the Italian’s shortcomings to take advantage of the Italian’s shortcomings, especially on the backhand. Now ‘Nole’ prepares to challenge Carlos Alcaraz once again in a final.
The first set saw Musetti ready to compete on equal footing with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. In their last encounter at Wimbledon, Djokovic had been immensely superior to his opponent, but this time on clay, Musetti showed much more comfort in his service.
Novak Djokovic

READ: Paris Olympics: ‘Worried’ Novak Djokovic Confronts Unsettling Reality as Serbian Dream Stands on the Brink

Djokovic started the match with noticeable special motivation but found a rival playing at a very high level. The first break points came in the third and fourth games, but neither could capitalize. Djokovic consistently pressured Musetti’s backhand, which the Italian managed to counter, at least in the first part of the match.
However, Nole persisted on that side, and when leading 5-4, he took advantage of a single opportunity to break and take the set 6-4, despite the evenly matched duel. Djokovic committed 12 unforced errors compared to Musetti’s 15, clearly showing it was a battle of nerves.
In the second set, the tension continued to escalate. Musetti secured an early break, but Djokovic immediately recovered it. Both players repeated breaks in the third and fourth games, keeping the score tight. However, Nole’s impetus started to put him ahead of the Italian, improving his first serve to 74%, while Musetti had only 52%, a very low percentage against one of the best returners in history.
Musetti paid dearly for his lack of first serves in the second set. After the 2-2, Djokovic went all out to secure the win, taking the next four games consecutively. In total, Musetti suffered five consecutive breaks and couldn’t maintain the high level from much of the first set.Djokovic finally reaches the Olympic final 16 years after his first semifinal. This time, he is just one match away from achieving the coveted Career Golden Slam, with the Olympic gold medal being the only title he has yet to win. It won’t be easy, as he will face Carlos Alcaraz, the most recent Roland Garros champion.
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‘No Need To Analyze, We Weren’t Good Enough’: Nadal Takes Blame After Olympics Loss

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Paris Olympics Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal didn’t want to overanalyze his performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, admitting that he simply wasn’t good enough in single, while in doubles, they played a bad match.

The 38-year-old had high hopes for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris because the Spaniard was encouraged by the way he practiced and the way he played at the Bastad Open ahead of the tournament.

Nobody thought he could seriously challenge for a medal in singles because Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic seemed better than him. Some had hoped that he could be competitive in the doubles with Alcaraz, and after they played a strong opening match, those aspirations certainly grew.

Rafael Nadal And Carlos Alcaraz Knocked Out Of Paris Olympic Doubles | Olympics News

JUST IN: Paris Olympics: ‘Worried’ Novak Djokovic Confronts Unsettling Reality as Serbian Dream Stands on the Brink

In singles, the 22-time major winner started really well but then experienced some minor issues against Marton Fucsovics, which made it clear that he likely wouldn’t be able to beat Novak Djokovic in the second round.

The draw was unfortunate because, with a few more matches in Paris, he might have been able to sneak his way to a medal. Getting Djokovic in the second round was brutal, and the match showed that he clearly wasn’t on that top level.

The doubles exit came against a good pairing of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, who simply played better than them. After the match, Nadal didn’t really want to overanalyze what went wrong for him at the Olympics.

He was quite open about not being good enough in singles, and his doubles performance, at least the quarter-final match, was also not very good, which he also recognized.

“I haven’t been at the level I needed to fight for medals in the singles. In the doubles, we were playing at a very good level, but today we weren’t accurate.”

“As I’ve said every day, the matches go by very quickly and every little detail has its impact. Today we didn’t start well and we weren’t able to take the match to the limit.”

Overall, Nadal’s experience at the Olympics wasn’t the worst, but also not the best. He never thought he would play at the 2024 Olympics many years ago, so being there for him was a blessing. He did well, all things considered, and he cherished the experience of playing with Alcaraz.

“The experience has been positive, we generated everything we had to generate to give ourselves a chance, we had a fantastic relationship, we shared a lot off the court and on it we were happy, motivated, excited.”

“It couldn’t be, there’s no more to it, today we weren’t accurate. For me, there’s no need to analyse much more, we weren’t good enough. The only thing I have to analyse now is when I have the flight back home (laughs), but I’m taking away an experience and memories for life.”

Of course, this was Nadal’s final Olympic appearance, and the fact that it was in Paris is certainly a fitting end for a player who left a great legacy at the Games and at Roland Garros.

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Ominous Signs: Here’s Why Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz as Dream Pair Might Not Survive Long at Paris Olmypics

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Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz

The stage is set for a mega showdown in Paris! The entire tennis community is on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to witness the Spanish No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, teaming up with the ‘King of Clay,’ Rafael Nadal.

This dream partnership is about to hit the courts, and fans can’t wait to see the magic they create together. But as the dynamic duo gears up, the challenge ahead is immense. Their first match on Saturday pits them against the formidable doubles specialists, Máximo González and Andrés Molteni. Can Alcaraz and Nadal’s combined prowess and chemistry overcome the seasoned Argentine duo?

Both Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez have proved their mettle on the tennis courts, especially in the doubles segment. Gonzalez boasts 17 ATP Tour Doubles titles and has partnered with 9 different players over the course of his career. He has bagged at least 8 titles in the last 9-years, except in 2017. With a career-high doubles ranking of 10, ‘Machi’ has admitted that his favorite surface is clay and his favorite venue is Roland Garros just like his compatriot Molteni.

Legend speaks: Rafael Nadal talks about partnering with Carlos Alcaraz at Paris Olympics 2024 - The Week

READ: Rafael Nadal Puts His Faith in Carlos Alcaraz as He Wishes to End Career on a High at Paris Olympics

With the Summer Olympics taking place on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Nadal and Alcaraz cannot witness an easy match. And to add to their struggles, Gonzalez has paired up with his remarkable compatriot, Andres Molteni, who has portrayed similar achievements and considers clay his favorite.

Molteni picked up racquets when he was just 5. In the doubles segment, he has won 16 ATP titles and has been rising up the ranks. With a career-high ranking of 7, the Argentine star has captured at least one title for 7 of the last 8 years (except 2020). But despite partnering with six different players, most of his achievements have come when he has played alongside Gonzalez.

The pair has won 5 titles in the last season itself, partnering together. They emerged victorious in Barcelona, Cordoba, Cincinnati, Rio, and Washington. These victories have established the two as one of the most successful doubles partners and have the capability to create significant challenges for Nadal and Alcaraz. And both have had a sensational season so far.

Known for his forehand and volley, Molteni advanced to the quarterfinals of both, the Australian Open as well as Wimbledon. Besides, Gonzalez reached the semi-finals in the mixed doubles category in the French Open and Wimbledon. And their on-court prowess can surely create trouble for Raflitos in their first match at the clay courts. This dominance, meanwhile, has also led Nadal to worry about the match, especially due to some inexperience.

While Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have demonstrated why they are the best players in tennis history, the match is indeed going to be difficult. And the ‘King of Clay’ has his concerns in place for the match.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Rafael Nadal revealed the challenges that he and Alcaraz might face in the match. “We need to play doubles well individually. We’ve played very little doubles: Carlos hasn’t played for a long time and I played for two days last week, in Bastad. We have to make the doubles movements automatic, they’re completely different to those of a singles match,” the two-time Olympic medallist said. He also added that their opponents are far more prepared than they are.

“We have to know where to return, select the right shot in each situation… With each game, we’ve felt better and better, more comfortable all-round. We’ll make mistakes from time to time. I doubt our opponents will: they know their roles, and we’ll have to face that from the start. We’re very excited and very focused on giving ourselves the best chance.”

As the match unfolds, it would be interesting to see if the duo can actually overcome the Argentine challenge. While only time will tell the result, what remains certain is an exhilarating showdown.

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Rafael Nadal Puts His Faith in Carlos Alcaraz as He Wishes to End Career on a High at Paris Olympics

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Paris Olympics Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal is gearing up to hit the ground running at the Paris Olympics, competing in both the singles and doubles categories.

The Spanish player, who is well-known for his unwavering skill and unwavering dedication, hopes to add an Olympic gold medal while getting closer to retirement. Even though Rafa expressed some doubts about his own play, he has complete faith in Carlos Alcaraz, his doubles partner, to guide their team to victory in Paris.

The 38-year-old tennis legend already has two gold medals from the Olympics after winning the men’s singles title at the 2008 Beijing Games. He teamed up with Marc Lopez eight years later to win the doubles title in Rio. With this remarkable accomplishment, Rafael Nadal becomes the only tennis player in Olympic history to win gold in both the singles and doubles competitions.

Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to compete together at Paris 2024

READ: Nadal ‘not comfortable’ ahead of Olympics bid

Talking about his Olympic participation, he said, “I know that if I play well in singles, I will also play well in doubles, but I will have to work hard.” Notwithstanding the passing of a long time, Nadal is ready to win the round once more, having sent a confident message about his partner in a recent interview.  

While talking about his doubles partner, he said, “And I’m convinced that Carlos will be at a great level, knowing that he arrives with confidence.” The world No. 3 will be competing for the first time in the Olympics in Paris.

Subsequently, he told Tennis Channel that he was hoping to win both singles and doubles competitions when his collaboration with Rafael Nadal was announced earlier this year, calling their alliance a “dream.” On the other hand, he expressed his excitement, saying, “And obviously, the doubles with Rafa is going to be a really dream moment for me. Obviously, we will try to bring home the gold medal again.”

The four-time Grand Slam winner disclosed that he and Nadal would wait to talk strategy until they got to France. The 21-year-old acknowledged that, despite being an up-and-coming talent in the sport, he would yield to his more seasoned partner and let Nadal lead.

The 2024 Wimbledon winner said a few days ago that while he isn’t anxious about the Olympics just now, he expects to feel pressure once he gets to Paris. He conveyed his excitement to absorb knowledge from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who possesses an abundance of expertise from competing in the Olympics.

He said, “I’m not nervous right now. When the time comes, I will be. And yes, obviously, he’s already experienced this, he already knows what it’s like to play in the Olympics, to win a gold in both singles and doubles. I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to keep my mouth shut and just listen to him.”

The storyline involving Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz looks promising as the Paris Olympics approaches. With Alcaraz’s growing star power and Rafael Nadal’s seasoned experience, this partnership is sure to captivate tennis fans everywhere.

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“The level of tennis wasn’t up to par from my side, Carlos had it all today”: Novak Djokovic lauds Carlos Alcaraz after Wimbledon thrashing

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Wimbledon Carlos Alcaraz  Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic was well beaten in a one sided beating from Carlos Alcaraz with a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 defeat which was only prolonged after the Spaniard spurned 40-0 up on championship point at 5-4. It is back-to-back Wimbledon crowns and agony for a second straight year for Djokovic.

Djokovic still awaits number 25 and he still awaits his 8th and landmark Wimbledon title which would see him tie with Roger Federer as the undisputed king of Wimbledon. But for the Serbian, he was as ever gracious in defeat. Annabel Croft doing the presentation on court had a blunder and said that Alcaraz looked very hot today which caused a lot of laughter.
To which Djokovic agreed before praising his rival to the hilt and saying he was simply not good enough for what Alcaraz produced on Sunday evening. Only a few weeks removed from knee surgery, Djokovic reaching the final in itself was a miracle but he couldn’t complete the final part of said miracle.
Carlos Alcaraz downs Novak Djokovic in thriller to claim maiden Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam - Eurosport

READ: “If someone steps over the line, I react”: Novak Djokovic stands by calling crowd disrespectful at Wimbledon

“That’s what I was about to say. He was definitely very hot today. Obviously not the result I wanted. Especially the first few sets.. the level of tennis wasn’t up to par from my side. Credit to Carlos. He had it all today. I saved the 3 match points.. I extended the match a bit. But he was an absolutely deserved winner today. Huge congratulations,” said Djokovic.
But he was also asked to give thanks to his family and got emotional in a message to them including to his son Stefan chasing his own tennis career.
“To my wife.: I love you. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for being here. To my wonderful children, thank you for bringing the smile to my face every single day. I keep on tearing up every year when I look at them at the closing ceremony. I’m so thankful to be the father of these two little angels. They’re starting to love tennis more and more. I don’t know if I have the nerve to keep going with my coaching career with my son. There are a lot of beautiful things in life.. but if you really wish to keep going, I’ll be there for you”

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