“I will try to be a good partner for Carlos Alcaraz,” Rafael Nadal optimistic about finding success at the Paris Olympics

Spain couldn't have come up with a better doubles pairing for the Olympic Games.

“I will try to be a good partner for Carlos Alcaraz,” Rafael Nadal optimistic about finding success at the Paris Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will join forces at the Paris Olympics. (Via Imago)

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is optimistic about his chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The legendary Spaniard is set to feature in the games by playing doubles with World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in Paris.

The Spanish pair have been discussing a potential doubles partnership at the Olympics since the start of this season. Now that it is official, Nadal hopes to be a good doubles partner for Alcaraz, who will return to Paris after winning Roland Garros for the first time.

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I’m going to try to arrive as well prepared as possible. I haven’t played doubles for a long time, but Carlos is in a fantastic moment after winning in Paris, so I will try to arrive as best as possible and as prepared as possible to be a good partner for him.

Rafael Nadal said via Punto de Break

Nadal has a great history at the Olympic Games. He won the Olympic Singles Gold in Beijing 2008, which also secured his World No. 1 ranking for the first time. Additionally, he won the Olympic Doubles Gold in Rio 2016 alongside Marc Lopez.

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On the other hand, Alcaraz will experience his first Olympic games. Given his current form, tennis fans might argue that he is the favorite for the Olympic Singles Gold medal as well. However, all eyes will be on his performance with Nadal as a doubles pair.

Carlos Alcaraz enjoying praise from Rafael Nadal and tennis fraternity for winning Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz has made history by becoming the youngest men’s player to win a Grand Slam title on all three surfaces: hard court, clay, and grass. At 21 years old, he is also the first Spaniard to win the French Open since Rafael Nadal‘s victory in 2022.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (via Imago)

Nadal, renowned as the “King of Clay,” congratulated Alcaraz on social media, calling his triumph “immense” shortly after the younger Spaniard secured his winning point.

In addition to Nadal, the Spanish Royal Family congratulated Alcaraz, stating, “This is just the first. Many more will come.”

The World No.2 claimed his first French Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, and 6-2 at the Philippe Chatrier Court in Paris last Sunday. With this victory, Alcaraz has won three of tennis’ four major tournaments: the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023, and now Roland Garros in Paris.

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