Rafael Nadal backed for gold

Rafael-Nadal

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David Ferrer believes that compatriot Rafael Nadal can claim a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, despite his recent issues with injury.

The 34-year-old is a veteran of the Olympics and will make his third appearance this summer in south America for the Spain.

The former world number three has featured at the 2008 Games in Beijing as well as the 2012 London event, where he represented his nation in the singles and doubles.

Ferrer struggled to make an impression as an individual but reached the semi-finals of the doubles in London alongside Feliciano Lopez.

The pair were beaten by French duo Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Michael Llodra in the last four, and suffered further disappointment in the bronze medal match when they were again beaten by a French pair in Richard Gasquet and Julien Benneteau.

The Spaniard is set to take part in all three disciplines in Rio, singles, doubles and mixed doubles, and he insists he feels lucky to have the opportunity to fight for another medal.

Ferrer said: “That day [after their loss in the bronze medal game at London 2012], Feliciano and I thought we would never play the Olympic Games again and instead now, I’m, playing yet another Olympics.”

The world number 13 will be part of the same team as Nadal, who is set to carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremony.

Nadal has been working his way back from injury but will be looking to add another gold medal to his CV, having previously won one in Beijing.

The world number four has been tipped to come out on top in Brazil by Ferrer, who feels he has the chance to win a silver medal.

He added: “Rafael Nadal will win the gold medal, I will win silver and Novak Djokovic bronze.

Among the girls, Carla Suarez Navarro will win gold, Garbine Muguruza will win the silver and bronze will be won by Serena Williams.

If I win [the gold medal], I clip every hair off my head.”

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