'Who say...?'- Rafael Nadal hints longtime rivalry with Novak Djokovic won't end at Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal turned 38 last month and the tennis world is speculating that the Spanish legend is close to hanging up his racket. The 22-time Grand Slam winner is now in the French capital for the 2024 Olympics, which fans believe will be the last to witness the long-running rivalry between Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard's first event in Paris was a doubles match alongside young sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The formidable pair defeated Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6(4), 6-4 on Saturday on Court Philippe Chatrier. Following his first-ever doubles match with Alcaraz, Nadal said he was unsure about competing in the singles event.

Also Check: WATCH: Dynamic pair Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's winning moments in doubles opener at Paris Olympics

The two-time Olympic gold medalist entered the sport's biggest event with injury concerns. The uncertainty about his participation in singles fueled speculation that his retirement was imminent. However, Nadal hinted on Saturday that his rivalry with Djokovic will not end at the Paris Olympics.

Nadal was asked by reporters if he was ready for the potential "last dance" with Djokovic in singles competition during the Olympics. In response, the former world number one said, "Who says that's last dance?".

Nadal's participation in singles is confirmed; Battle with Djokovic is on the cards

"I don't know if I'm going to play or not,” Nadal said on Saturday when asked about his participation in the singles at the Paris Olympics. However, the player’s manager Benito Perez-Barbadillo confirmed on Sunday that Nadal had decided to play the singles match. 

Nadal's first singles match is against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics on Sunday. A win over Fucsovics will send Nadal into the second round, where he will face arch-rival Djokovic on Monday or Tuesday.

Earlier, Djokovic said he was excited about his potential final meeting with Nadal. "If we get to face each other, it's going to be possibly the last time we're going to face each other on a big stage. So I'm sure that people would enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it, and I'll be ready for that matchup,” the Serbian said.

Also Read: 'This part I don't get’ - Novak Djokovic calls for Olympic rule change after landslide win over Australia’s Matthew Ebden