Rafael Nadal has sparked excitement among tennis fans with the possibility of partnering with rising star Carlos Alcaraz in doubles at the upcoming Olympics. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Nadal discussed his current training regimen and the potential for a formidable doubles team with Alcaraz.
“I’m training to try and be ready for singles. I want to play at a high level in singles, and I know that if I can do that, I’ll be able to play at a good level in doubles,” Nadal said. He emphasized the importance of strong singles play as a foundation for success in doubles, reflecting on his career-long strategy. “That’s what I’ve always done: when I’ve played well in singles, I’ve played well in doubles. It’s true that I haven’t played doubles for a long time, and the ideal thing would have been to play a tournament beforehand, but that wasn’t possible.”
Nadal’s enthusiasm for the Olympics is palpable, as he sees it as a chance to achieve more than just personal success. “The Olympics are a team affair. Doubles are almost as important as singles. It’s an opportunity to try and win a medal. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Addressing the logistics and challenges of teaming up with Alcaraz, Nadal acknowledged the different stages of their careers. “It’s more complicated for Carlos than for me. I’m not playing in any tournaments between now and Bastad, while he has a Grand Slam coming up,” Nadal explained. “We’re at different points in our careers. I’ve been in his shoes and I know how a player like Carlos thinks. He has to do what he has to do, and try to win as much as possible.”
Nadal remains focused on his preparation, understanding the importance of peaking at the right time. “My job is to try to be ready to reach the best possible level before taking part in a tournament. I’m past the days of trying to win, win, win every week. He’s in there.”
If the partnership materializes, it would mark a significant moment in Olympic tennis, pairing the experienced champion Nadal with the promising talent of Alcaraz. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await to see if this dynamic duo will take the Olympic stage together, blending Nadal’s seasoned expertise with Alcaraz’s youthful vigor.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked world no.264, Nadal played his last match on the 27th of May when he was defeated by world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 in the 1st round of the French Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Nadal achieved a composed 7-5 match record.
He is also scheduled to play in Bastad (Nordea Open) after Wimbledon. The main draw will start on the 1st of July.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
WLWLLWLWWW Now ranked no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 9th of June when he defeated world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 in the final of the French Open to win his 15th career title.
At present, during this year Alcaraz has achieved a 25-5 record. Alcaraz clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz will square off with the world no.27 Francisco Cerundolo in the 1st round. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Cerundolo.
The Spaniard has won 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.
Alcaraz won 15 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced off 3 times. Their head to head is 2-1 for Nadal. Before, the last time they competed against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here the video highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz |
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