“You don’t win doubles with names,” Carlos Alcaraz acknowledges the challenges that await him and Rafael Nadal at 2024 Paris Olympics

The Spanish duo has reached doubles quarterfinals at the Summer Games.

“You don’t win doubles with names,” Carlos Alcaraz acknowledges the challenges that await him and Rafael Nadal at 2024 Paris Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Spanish tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz has partnered with Rafael Nadal for the doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While there was skepticism about how they will fare at the Games considering that this was their first tournament as a pair, Nadal and Alcaraz have earned widespread praise for their performances.

The pair has done well so far, reaching the quarterfinals. Nadal and Alcaraz beat the Dutch pair of Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in the second round to set up a quarterfinal clash with the American pair of Austin Krejicek and Rajeev Ram.

https://youtu.be/iQyKSr6ZEWU?si=bZywLVo8lqY4EAuV

With everything going smoothly so far, the expectations have increased from Nadal and Alcaraz, who are expected to go the distance in Paris. However, Alcaraz has claimed that a team with big names doesn’t ensure a win in doubles. At the same time, he is also optimistic about their chances.

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We try not to think about it too much, not to think about the pressure or the obligation to do it. Obviously you don't win doubles with names, so anything can happen. There are great doubles players who play together all year, who have a lot of confidence and a very good level, so we have to try to stay focused and improve little by little. I hope we can achieve our goal and that of all the Spaniards
Carlos Alcaraz said in a press conference

The 20-year-old is hoping to win the gold medal for Spain in the men’s doubles event. Alcaraz is also cherishing the moments spent with Nadal in the Olympic Village.

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Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz enjoying the family atmosphere with Rafael Nadal around

Although Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, as a pair, are new to men’s doubles, the chemistry has been top-drawer. It can be attributed to the two players living in the family atmosphere in the Olympic Village.

Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

Alcaraz highlighted the importance of spending time together, especially off the court, which has helped them gel. 

Little by little we are getting to know each other better on and off the court. At the Olympics we have the opportunity to live together and have a family atmosphere, which is obviously very useful on the court.
Carlos Alcaraz said of his pairing with Rafael Nadal

Notably, Alacarz’s inexperience in men’s doubles was well covered up by the experience Nadal. Meanwhile, the reigning French Open champion has not let Nadal’s physical problems get in the way of their partnership.

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