Rafael Nadal is hoping for a regulation change as the Spaniard departs and fears a ban from the farewell event….

ITF regulations now prohibit Rafael Nadal from competing in the competition, thus he may have difficulties if he hopes to represent Spain in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. If the Spaniard wants to fulfill his desire to retire before 2020, he would require a unique exception, similar to the one Roger Federer was granted prior to Tokyo 2020.

Earlier this week, in a candid interview in Spain, Rafael Nadal revealed his future ambitions. The seasoned tennis player plans to make a comeback to the court in 2024. He hasn’t played since January as he continues to heal from a string of injuries.

“I won’t reveal to you that this is my final

year 100% and that I have it scheduled,” he declared. “What if things aren’t like that? In two months, I hope to know where I am and how I got here. If I’m feeling good, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris would be a great way to complete my career.”

Nadal continued by saying he was eager to team up with fellow countryman and current Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz in a doubles match.

Rafael Nadal is eager to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (Photo: GETTY)

The 37-year-old said, “I have not had the least communication with him in that area.” “But I would also like to, because finishing my Olympic cycle would be a nice motivation, another incentive for me.”

to play.”

Federer found himself in a similar predicament back in 2019, having announced his intention to compete at the Tokyo Olympics despite not meeting the requirements for Davis Cup appearances. The Swiss Tennis Federation ultimately made it happen by successfully applying for an exemption, even though injury forced the 20-time Grand Slam winner to withdraw anyway.

Federer was granted an exemption to play at Tokyo 2020, although he withdrew from the tournament (Image: Getty)

Nadal may need the powers that be in Spain to pull strings in similar fashion. The clay-court specialist is no stranger to success at the Olympics. Back in 2008, he won gold for Spain in the men’s singles, and he went on to match the feat in doubles eight years later in Rio de Janeiro.

Turning out in Paris would be a fairytale send-off for Nadal, with the tournament being played at Roland Garros, where the Spaniard has won a staggering 14 French Open titles over the course of his career later in Rio de Janeiro.

With Roland Garros serving as the venue and the Spaniard having won an incredible 14 French Open championships during his career, Nadal’s final match in Paris would be a dream come true.