Spanish tennis player Pedro Martinez has voiced his discontent over the protected ranking system that allows Rafael Nadal to compete in this summer’s Olympic Games. Despite Nadal’s low world ranking due to a prolonged injury absence, the system enables him to join the Spain squad, consequently leaving Martinez out of the selection.
The protected ranking system grants leniency to players unable to compete for a minimum of six months, making Nadal eligible after a nearly year-long hiatus due to a hip injury sustained at last year’s Australian Open. Consequently, Nadal will join Carlos Alcaraz, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in representing Spain.
Martinez, while acknowledging his admiration for Nadal, argued that the system is unfair. “The protected ranking is an injustice because neither of us has missed the Olympic Games due to being injured,” Martinez said. He further expressed frustration over potentially missing his chance to compete at the Olympics because of the system, despite his belief that he deserves a spot this year.
Nadal’s recent performance at the French Open, where he was defeated in the first round by Alexander Zverev, has not dampened his determination to compete. Although he has hinted at retiring by the end of the year, Nadal has not confirmed any concrete plans to step away from the sport. Mats Wilander, a former tennis professional, believes Nadal could continue playing as long as he remains fit, despite the injuries that have plagued the latter part of his career.
With the tennis events set to be held at Roland Garros, there is speculation that Nadal and Alcaraz might team up for the doubles tournament, adding further excitement to the Olympic Games. Despite the controversy, fans and fellow athletes alike remain eager to see what the legendary Nadal will bring to this prestigious event.