Carlos Alcaraz opens up on teaming with Rafael Nadal for Paris Olympics: ’Dream to play with Rafa…’

With just a day left for the Paris 2024 Olympics to officially begin, Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz said on July 25 that it is a dream to play the tennis doubles competition for Spain alongside legendary Rafael Nadal.

According to details, 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz and 38-year-old Rafael Nadal will participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics as men's doubles partners. The Spaniards, Carlos Alcaraz and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal are considered the dream duo in the men's doubles category.

Speaking on being teamed up with 14-time Roland Garros titlist Nadal, Alcaraz said, as quoted by news agency ANI, "I am so excited as I arrive at the Games. I am less experienced, but I hope to adapt quickly to doubles. For me, it is a dream to play with Rafa. The road is difficult but exciting. I'm going to enjoy it as much as possible. We hope to play many matches together. It will be something I never forget."

Nadal recently lost to Nuno Borges in the Nordea Open finals, while Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

On playing with Alcaraz, Nadal said, “The Olympic Games is the biggest event. We will be making an effort to ensure we can leave with the peace of mind that we have tried to go as far as possible. We have not been able to prepare like other pairs, but we have confidence in Carlos' form. I hope that last week, when I spent a lot of time on court, helps me physically raise the level so that this works.”

He added that it will be an interesting opportunity to learn from younger generations.

“It reminds you of when you were 20. It is amazing to see him experience his first Olympic Games knowing that he is one of the star attractions, something he copes with amazingly well.”

"He shows what a professional he is in the way he is with teammates, and that is the legacy you leave in sport and for those teammates. He always has a smile and he is happy to talk to anyone. It is great to have role models like him," Nadal concluded about Alcaraz.

The young Spaniard Alcaraz said that he has everything to learn from Nadal.

"The way he competes, his grit on court, never giving up on a single point... His ability to turn problems on their head is admirable, and I always try to follow his example on and off the court. His humility, with everything he has achieved, is certainly commendable," he added.

The tennis events at the Olympics will be from July 27 to August 4.

(With agency inputs)