At the upcoming Paris Olympics, World number two Carlos Alcaraz, a talented 21-year-old tennis player, has expressed his eagerness to team up with the legendary 38-year-old Rafa Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion. Alcaraz, a three-times Grand Slam winner and recently crowned French Open champion, will be participating in both the singles and doubles events at Roland Garros during the Games.
Nadal, who clinched Olympic singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016, will be making his third appearance at the Olympics, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport. The unexpected pairing of Alcaraz and Nadal in the doubles event has left the young Alcaraz elated and grateful for this unique opportunity.
In a statement to reporters, Alcaraz shared his excitement, saying, “I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa. It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Let’s see how it’s going to be but it’s going to be a great time.”
Acknowledging the vast experience and expertise that Nadal brings to the table, Alcaraz expressed his anticipation of learning valuable lessons from the seasoned champion. “Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well,” Alcaraz remarked.
With the Tokyo Olympics marking his debut on the Olympic stage, Alcaraz views this as an exceptional opportunity to absorb knowledge and wisdom from Nadal, a seasoned campaigner in the world of tennis.
In preparation for the Olympics, Nadal has taken the strategic decision to skip Wimbledon in July, opting to focus on gearing up for the prestigious Games. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is set to make his return to competitive action at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, followed by his title defense at Wimbledon next month, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in the sport.
The Olympic tennis tournament, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 4, is poised to be a thrilling battleground where tennis enthusiasts will witness the dynamic duo of Alcaraz and Nadal in action, as they strive for glory and aim to make their mark on the prestigious Olympic stage.
