Carlos Alcaraz on ‘dream’ of playing doubles with Rafael Nadal at Olympics

Tennis News

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at the net

Ewan West
May 28, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz has described the prospect of partnering legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in doubles at the 2024 Olympics as a “dream”.

The 20-year-old also discussed Nadal’s absence from the 2023 French Open and expressed hope that he will return at “100 per cent” next year.

Nadal is not competing at Roland Garros this year due to the hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January. The 36-year-old also revealed 2024 will likely be his final season on tour.

The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris, with the tennis event to be played at Stade Roland Garros – the venue for the French Open.

If Nadal is healthy and decides to compete, the two Spaniards could potentially team up in the men’s doubles event. Nadal is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, having won the singles in Beijing in 2008 and the doubles in Rio in 2016 alongside Marc Lopez.

Alcaraz spoke of the possibility of joining forces with Nadal for the Spanish team next year.

“For me, it could be a dream playing doubles with him in the Olympics. Let’s see how he’s doing and how he’s going this year. Hopefully he’s going great,” Alcaraz said in his pre-tournament press conference.

“I felt bad when I heard that Rafa was not able to play here in Roland Garros and probably the rest of the year. As a fan of tennis, I always watched Rafa playing. I always want to watch the best players in the world playing the tournaments.

“It was tough to understand how it’s going to be without Rafa this year. Hopefully we’ll see him next year and that he’s 100 per cent.”

In an interview with former world No 2 Alex Corretja for Eurosport, Alcaraz discussed how he relaxes and his motivation for the French Open.

“I’m a very simple person. The best way to disconnect is to spend time with family, friends, doing nothing special, be with them, talk about everything and feel comfortable. It is the best way and it’s super necessary,” said the reigning US Open champion.

“This tournament is special for Spanish players. It’s a tournament that I really want to do well, to win it one day. Last year I played at a high level, I reached the quarter-finals and this year I come here with a lot of desire, with a lot of motivation, having a lot of confidence and I’m training at a high level.

“I feel very good. This court transmits different feelings to other courts. In a Grand Slam you need to know how to manage everything. The energy, the rest, everything.

“In training… It depends on each player, how they feel, but it’s super important to have good guidelines and do everything perfectly if you want to get good results.”

Carlos Alcaraz Rafael Nadal