Rafael Nadal set to partner Carlos Alcaraz in men’s doubles at Paris Olympics | Tennis News
Rafael Nadal is excited to partner fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a dream doubles’ partnership at the Paris Olympics this summer.
World No 3 Alcaraz said previously he would like to play at the Olympics alongside his 37-year-old idol, who expects to bring the curtain down on his glittering but injury-plagued career this year.
At the Madrid Open where the duo are competing this week, the 20-year-old admitted to being somewhat nervous about initiating the discussion but Nadal put him at ease.
Tim Henman hails Alcaraz’s impressive career run as the Spaniard made five ATP Masters 1000 titles before turning 21
“Carlos doesn’t have to ask me anything. All things being well, we’ll play,” Nadal said. “It’s also hugely exciting for me. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve heard it is for him too.
“So it would be great to play the odd tournament before the Olympics to prepare ourselves and to get some rapport on court.”
While two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is set to make his Olympic debut, Nadal will be eyeing his third gold medal after triumphing in singles in the 2008 Beijing Games and doubles eight years later in Rio.
But Nadal has had a torrid time with injury in recent years, missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip issue that needed surgery.
He returned to competition in Brisbane in January but was out for another stretch due to a thigh issue, only coming back in Barcelona last week before casting doubts over his French Open participation next month.
Nadal admits his body won’t allow him to give 100 per cent every game, as the 14-time French Open winner targets another appearance at Roland Garros in June
The tennis competition at the Paris Games will take place on clay at Roland Garros, where Nadal has won 14 major titles.
“I think if we’re both fit enough, why not? We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things,” Nadal said of the partnership.
“It would be good for both of us. It would also be good for the Spanish team, so we’ll see how things progress.”
Watch Nadal’s top five Madrid Open shots throughout his career so far!
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