As the Paris Olympics approach, Carlos Alcaraz dreams of achieving gold-medal success alongside his compatriot and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The duo, dubbed by some fans as “Nadalcaraz,” have been training together on Court Philippe Chatrier, preparing for the Olympic tennis event that begins on Saturday on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros.
Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, views Nadal as a source of immense inspiration and learning. In a media interaction in Paris, Alcaraz emphasized the invaluable lessons he has absorbed from Nadal, whom he regards as a model of humility and tenacity.
“I can probably learn everything from Rafa,” Alcaraz remarked, as reported by L’Equipe. “[Rafa] is one of the greatest in the history of tennis and sport in general. The way he plays competitively, the way he fights on the court, the way he never lets go or gives up a point.”
Alcaraz highlighted Nadal’s exemplary problem-solving skills and humility, traits he strives to emulate both on and off the court. “His problem-solving skills are admirable, and I try to follow his example, on and off the court. His humility, after all that he has accomplished, commands admiration,” Alcaraz stated.
Their partnership in the upcoming Olympics has generated significant excitement. The two champions are expected to play with Nadal on the deuce side and Alcaraz on the ad side, optimizing their forehands in the middle. Reflecting on their training sessions, Nadal humorously commented that their team name might depend on their performance results.
“It’s a great moment to be here at the Games even though I’ve already participated several times,” Nadal said. “What will be the name of our double with Alcaraz? It will depend on the result… We haven’t been able to prepare together, but we know that Carlos is going through a very good period, and I hope to be at the level, the one I need to be able to function individually and collectively.”
Nadal’s Olympic legacy includes winning the singles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and the doubles gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 with Marc Lopez. Reflecting on his achievements, Nadal expressed the immense pride and honor associated with representing Spain at the Olympics.
“For me, Beijing 2008 was bigger than many Grand Slam tournaments. It’s one of the best moments of my career, without a doubt,” Nadal shared. “At the Games, you feel like it’s not just yourself. You represent a much bigger team and a country. You feel supported, loved, and coming back to the village with a medal is incredible. At Rio 2016, I was lucky to have a great friend like Marc by my side, and every time I competed at the Games, it was an unforgettable moment.”
As Alcaraz and Nadal embark on this Olympic journey together, their collaboration promises to be a highlight of the Paris Games, uniting two generations of Spanish tennis excellence.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently ranked no.3, Alcaraz played his last match on the 14th of July when he beat world no.2 Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 7-6(4) in the final in Wimbledon to win his 16th career title.
Currently, during this year the Spaniard has an overall 33-6 win-loss record. The Spaniard clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.374 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never played each other till now in top competitions.
Carlos conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon.
The Spaniard won 16 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Rafael Nadal in 2024
At the moment ranked no.161, Nadal played his last match on the 21st of July when he was defeated by world no.42 Nuno Borges 6-3 6-2 in the final in Bastad (draw).
Currently, during this year the Spaniard owns a composed 11-6 match record. Rafael Nadal’s latest run in Bastad was the best achievement of his season.
Nadal is scheduled to play next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of August.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Nadal. The last time they squared off, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |