Rafael Nadal's latest move might have 2025 repercussions

Rafael Nadal looked old in the first part of the year, to be honest. Sure, he was still reaching a slight level of success because he had more tennis talent than most of the human race could ever dream. But when he played younger players who were close to his level, he mostly lost.

Then something odd happened at the French Open. The Spaniard received one of the worst draws he could get when he was forced to face Alexander Zverev in the first round. Zverev won in straight sets and was playing in peak form, but Nadal kept it closer than many might have thought he would. Zverev had to strain to earn the victory.

Nadal skipped Wimbledon because he did not want to go from playing on clay to grass and then back to clay. The reason is that while Roland Garros is on clay and Wimbledon grass, the Olympics will be held at the same venue as the French Open. Nadal is passionate about representing his country at the Games, and he would rather do that then play on the slippery surface at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. That makes sense.

Rafael Nadal expected to participate at the US Open

But while many assume the Spaniard will end his career this year - he has never confirmed that to be the case - he certainly is not going to be finished after the Olympics are done. In somewhat of a surprising move, Nadal will participate in the US Open near the end of August. He has been highly successful at the hard-court tournament as he has won the vent four times.

That he is playing at the final major and has been in good health since April, Nadal might be tipping that he is planning on returning next year. There is no reason not to if he isn't injured. The competitor in him probably doesn't want to remember his final French Open as a first-round exit. He has historically been far better than that.

He might also want to get more ranking points for next year as well as his protected ranking will change in 2025. He appears to be at least a top-30 player currently and with more matches, he could get back in top-10 form. Rafael Nadal winning another major is not out of the question, maybe even the US Open.

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