Number 1 in the world rankings, tennis player Rafael Nadal already has a goal for the next two years: to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. In town to compete in the Rio Open’s first ATP 500 tournament in South America, on Friday 14 February, the Spanish athlete talked about his expectations of the competition, made ​​plans for his stay - like watching a classic derby match at the Maracanã - and made it clear that he hopes to return in 2016.

After winning gold in Beijing in 2008, Nadal had to forgo the London Games in 2012 due to a knee injury.

"It is difficult to predict what will happen in two years. But my goal is to be here to compete in the Olympic Games. Representing my country in Beijing was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my career, and I want to feel it again. I’m focused on preparing myself and maintaining a good performance to compete in the Rio Olympic Games.

“The fact that I could not compete in London is even more motivating”, said the athlete during a press conference at the Brazilian Jockey Club in Gávea, headquarters of the Rio Open.

Nadal also highlighted tennis growth in South America, and stressed the importance of staging the 2016 Games to promote sport in the region.

“Tennis is a global sport, we have tournaments almost everywhere. I believe competitions should be held in places where people are passionate about the sport. Tennis in South America has grown significantly in recent years, especially with big events such as the Olympic Games. I feel that people here are very passionate about the sport. It will certainly be a very positive experience”, he added.

For his first time in Rio de Janeiro, the Spanish athlete wants to do some sightseeing on the side. A fan of football and football player Ronaldo, Nadal will include a trip to the Maracanã to watch Rio’s Flamengo vs Vasco derby.

"I have always been a fan of football (and of Ronaldo). I am very excited to see the Maracanã. It will be difficult to take too many tours, because I did not have the time to train properly and prepare myself, so my time is concentrated in this preparation. But I hope to be able to get to know as much of the city as I can", he said.

The star has been in Brazil on two other occasions, and both times he won the Brazil Open, the ATP 250 series tournament: in Costa do Sauípe, Bahia, in 2005, and in São Paulo last year.

Rafael Nadal trains at Rio Open tennis court (Photo: Alex Ferro)

Not having played since the final of the Australian Open because of a back injury, the Spaniard said he is making up for lost time, and wants to give his best on the fast courts of Rio de Janeiro.

“I had little time to train because of some health problems after the tournament in Australia, which prevented me from competing in the ATP 250 series in Buenos Aires. Now I am focused on training well, and will work hard during the short time I have until the first match in the Rio Open to achieve good results", said the player on the eve of his 800^th match.

The Rio Open starts on February 15 and ends on February 23 at the historic Jockey Club. In addition to Nadal, the tournament will feature four other top 20 players: Spanish athletes David Ferrer (5), Tommy Robredo (17) and Nicolas Almagro (18), and Italian Fabio Fognini (14).