Rafael Nadal has revealed he is unlikely to play Wimbledon in what could potentially be his final year before retirement.
The Spaniard announced 12 months ago that he was likely to retire from professional tennis in 2024.
His farewell tour hasn't gone to plan with an injury setback at the start of the year forcing him to withdraw from several tournaments.
Nadal managed to get himself fit in time for Roland Garros, but he was dealt a tricky first-round draw against world No 3 Alexander Zverev.
Rafael Nadal may not play Wimbledon this year
REUTERS
He had the crowd inside Philippe-Chatrier - including top pros such as Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz - on their feet at points of the match with some trademark winners.
But Zverev ultimately had too much for Nadal as the German won in straight sets.
The 37-year-old refused to confirm whether he would try and return to Roland Garros next year as he currently feels fit and able to compete.
However, Nadal has admitted he will unlikely play Wimbledon with hopes of playing the Olympics in Paris.
“[It] looks difficult, honestly," Nadal said.
"For me now, it looks difficult to make the transition to grass when we have the Olympics again on clay.
“I cannot confirm anything, I need to analyse so many facts.
"I don’t think it’s going to be smart after all the things that happen to my body, to make a transition to a completely different surface, then come back to clay.
Rafael Nadal lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev
REUTERS
“Today I don’t think that’s a good idea, I don’t think it’s a positive idea right now.”
Nadal has only played at Wimbledon once since 2019, when he withdrew from the tournament ahead of his semi-final against Nick Kyrgios in 2022.
The Spaniard won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, the former of which is regarded as one of the greatest finals in tennis history.
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Rafael Nadal last played Wimbledon back in 2022
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He beat Roger Federer in a five-set thriller having lost to the Swiss tennis icon in two consecutive finals.
The last time Nadal lost a match at Wimbledon was back in 2019 to Federer.
Where Nadal plays next remains to be seen as he attempts to get ready for the Olympics in Paris.
