Rafael Nadal believes that Grand Slam victories are more significant for tennis players than winning gold at the Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz disagrees. Alcaraz’s ambition to win his first gold medal is more in line with that of Roger Federer, Nadal’s longtime rival, who was as driven to victory at the Olympics.
When Nadal and Alcaraz compete as Spain’s men’s tennis doubles participants in the Paris Olympics this month, they will undoubtedly have a fantastic pairing. Alcaraz, the 21-year-old sensation who won the Wimbledon and French Open championships this year, is partnering with Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Having already won gold in the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016, it is anticipated to be one of the 38-year-old’s last outings at a major tournament before retirement. But even before he won his first in Beijing, Nadal was certain that winning a Grand Slam was more important than winning an Olympic gold medal.
Nadal expressed his thoughts earlier and said: “A little bit less. For us, a Grand Slam is different. Grand Slams are special. The Olympics are important too but after a grand slam.”
When asked if he would be more excited to win Wimbledon or the Olympics, Alcaraz said: “It is difficult to decide, but I would say the Games. They are every four years and you represent your country and all Spaniards. When I come back here I’ll have flashbacks. It can be very nice. My first Games were forty days after my first Roland Garros. I would choose an Olympic gold.”
Meanwhile, Roger Federer stated his remarks about the Olympic Games years ago and said: “If maybe I am a player who doesn’t have any Grand Slams, maybe a Grand Slam would still do more for my own career. But because I have 12 already, for me an Olympic gold ranks as high. So as long as I can walk and play, I will always come and play in the Olympics. Who knows, maybe I will carry the flag. That would be a great honour as well. It ranks very, very high on my scale, absolutely.”
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
LWLWWWWWWW At the moment ranked no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 14th of July when he overcame 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 season the Spaniard has managed to achieve a composed 33-6 match record. Carlos conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz will take on the world no.374 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . In the past, they have never played each other up to now in top events.
Alcaraz clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz 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
Ranked no.161, the Spaniard played his last contest on the 21st of July when he lost to world no.42 Nuno Borges 6-3 6-2 in the final in Bastad (draw).
During this season the Spaniard has an overall 11-6 record. Rafael Nadal’s latest run in Bastad was the best achievement of his season.
Rafael Nadal will square off with the world no.83 Marton Fucsovics in the 1st round. In the past, they have never played each other until now on the main tour.
The Spaniard reached the final in Bastad (Nordea Open).
Nadal won 92 titles in his career: 24 on hard courts, 63 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Nadal will play next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of August.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal played each other 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they played each other, 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 |
