Tennis: What are the qualifying scenarios for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 – What to know

Can Rafael Nadal play the Olympics in Paris?

As Nadal, the Beijing 2008 singles champion and Rio 2016 doubles champion, has said 2024 is likely his final year as a professional, all eyes have fallen on Roland-Garros and Paris 2024. After the 14-time French Open champion was unlucky in drawing – and losing to – reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in the first round at Roland-Garros, the question now is: Will Rafa play the Olympics? Can he?

Nadal could use what tennis calls a special or protected ranking, which he qualifies for having missed some 11 months in 2023, returning to action in January 2024. A protected ranking can be for a player’s first 12 tournaments (or 12 months after they’ve returned). Nadal falls within both of those guidelines.

When it comes to Paris 2024, the ITF explains:

[A special or protected ranking] “may indeed apply to Nadal: If Nadal were not among the top four Spaniards come 10 June, he could use his protected ranking to ensure he does feature among those four. He would, however, also need to apply for an exemption to the ITF Olympic Committee (given he has not played Davis Cup since 2019), but would be hopeful with his lengthy time out through injury and an enviable Olympic and Davis Cup record to point to.”

Nadal used his protected ranking to play the French Open, having been ranked world No.644 at the time of the entry list (15 April).

Another Olympic singles champion, London 2012 and 2016 winner, Andy Murray, could tap into the aforemtentioned Olympic champion allotment, with only three British men ranked ahead of his current world No.75 ranking. Murray has also actively sought a doubles partnership with compatriot Dan Evans, saying his best shot at the podium could be in that event.