Rafael Nadal should not be rushed into making a decision on his retirement, says Boris Becker, following the Spanish legend’s defeat to Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The 38-year-old revealed he will decide on his future following the conclusion of his doubles campaign alongside Carlos Alcaraz. “It’s a very personal decision,” Becker explained. “We’re not in his shoes.”

Tennis great Boris Becker has said Rafael Nadal should be given time to make “a very personal decision” as retirement edges closer for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Nadal was comfortably beaten by long-time rival Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Monday in the pairs’ 60th meeting.

Nadal, 38, has not set out concrete plans for his retirement, but hinted he may have played his final singles match in Paris on the same court where he has claimed a record 14 Roland-Garros titles.

The Spaniard said he will make a decision on his future following the Games – where he is competing in the doubles competition alongside current French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz – a decision he should not be pushed into, according to Becker.

“It’s a very personal decision,” the former world No. 1 said.

“Tennis is his livelihood and something he loves doing so successfully for such a long time. We should give him the time he needs.

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“We’re not in his shoes. He knows he’s not playing at the level he did a couple of years ago, but he still loves to compete. We shouldn’t be telling him what to do next.”

Nadal’s next match is set to be against Dutch pair Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof, as he bids for his third Olympic gold medal alongside doubles partner Alcaraz.

Djokovic the ‘clear favourite’ for Olympic gold

Nadal might have exited the singles competition in the second round, but Becker has tipped world No. 2 Djokovic to go all the way in the French capital.

The Serbian looked totally dominant for large parts of his match against Nadal and came close to securing a bagel in the opening set, but the Spaniard pulled a game back to somewhat spare his blushes.

In an identical start to the second set, a rapid double-break put Djokovic 4-0 ahead, but Nadal showed there was still lots of fight left to claw two breaks back and level the set.

The 24-time major winner still had lots left in the tank though and managed to see out the victory to move one step closer to a maiden Olympic title.

Djokovic ‘very relieved’ after getting ‘maybe a little too comfortable’ against Nadal

Becker said the fact Djokovic does not have an Olympic gold medal “makes him human”, but expects him to add the accolade to his illustrious haul.

“Before the tournament started, I put Novak Djokovic as the favourite,” he said. “Now Jannik Sinner has defaulted, but Carlos Alcaraz is still very much in the draw.

“I think Novak has a good chance to at least medal. I would say Djokovic is the clear favourite.

“He’s won every other title. That was a big win for him [against Nadal], so he must feel good about his chances. But then you still have Alcaraz.”

Becker said that the two-out-of-three format “probably helps some of these younger guys” and with that assumption, erred on the side of caution.

“Novak is exceptional,” the three-time Wimbledon champion added.

“He’s incredibly fit at 37, and he takes great care of himself. His diet and lifestyle are entirely focused on tennis, which is why he’s still in such good form.

“But, he is 37, so we have to keep that in mind.”

‘Very unique’ Murray gets ‘the recognition he deserves’

‘The most extraordinary win!’ – Murray and Evans clinch epic comeback victory

Andy Murray will play the final tennis match of his career at the Paris Games alongside Dan Evans in the doubles competitions, before retiring at the end of the Games.

The Team GB duo saved five match points in a stunning end to their first round match against Japan, with elimination starring them in the face.

Becker described the GB pair’s display as “electrifying” and paid tribute to the “incredible” Murray ahead of his tennis farewell.

“The doubles matches, like Murray and Evans’ win, as well as the singles matches, have been electrifying. It’s great to see the sparks flying for everyone,” he said.

“Regarding Andy Murray, he’s had an incredible career, winning three majors against players like Nadal, [Roger] Federer, and Djokovic. His personality and character are very unique.

“Announcing that this is his last Olympics adds to the appreciation we have for him. It allows us to give him the recognition he deserves.”