Indian Wells: Is Rafael Nadal Preparing for Olympics Doubles?

Though Rafael Nadal lost to his old-time foe, Roger Federer, in the Indian Wells semi-final match, he won a trophy in the California desert last week.

It was in the doubles game that Nadal (along with Marc Lopez) made his mark in the ATP Masters 1000. Though Nadal has played doubles frequently at this tournament (semi-final in 2011 and winner in 2012), his performance caught everyone's eyes.

He and Lopez made a good double act against experts, who were all ranked in the Top 50 of the ATP Tour, especially considering Nadal's less-than-stellar 96-58 record on the doubles circuit.

Is Nadal preparing for the Olympic doubles competition? 

His long-time rival Roger Federer won the doubles competition in the last Beijing Olympics in 2008. Is Nadal trying to emulate him this time around in London 2012?

Nadal then partnered Tommy Robredo in Beijing, suffering a disappointing loss in the round of 16 to Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guiccione. In 2004 Athens Olympics, partnering Carlos Moya, Rafa lost in the first round itself. Obviously, his record is not something to write home about in the doubles circuit.

After 2005, Nadal has never played doubles in the Grand Slam tournaments. His appearance this year is definitely a hint that he is taking a shot at the London Olympics.

Will he win? Considering his recent performance, there is no reason why he cannot.