“If my age will be 10 years less,” Rafael Nadal rues not being younger as he craves more partnerships with Carlos Alcaraz

Nadal was extremely disappointed about his doubles quarterfinals loss.

“If my age will be 10 years less,” Rafael Nadal rues not being younger as he craves more partnerships with Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal partnered with youngster Carlos Alcaraz to play in the men’s doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The partnership proved to be fruitful as the Spanish duo reached the quarterfinals. However, the Nadal-Alcaraz pair’s journey came to an end as they lost to the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in the quarterfinal on Wednesday.

This defeat means that the two Spanish tennis stars will not share the court anymore and everyone- the players and the fans seem utterly disappointed about it. Nadal, in particular, is ruing not being younger as he missed out on the chance to partner with Alcaraz for more tournaments.

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As Nadal is on the verge of retirement while Alcaraz is in the initial stage of his career, the chances of another partnership between the two Spaniards look bleak and Nadal is too disappointed about it. The 38-year-old wishes that, had he been 10 years younger, he would have had more opportunities to play alongside his junior.

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Just simply, we are in a completely different lifetime momentum. That's the truth… If my age will be 10 years less, we're going to create a beautiful relationship on tour and we're going to share a lot of beautiful moments together but that's not going to happen.
Rafael Nadal said about his partnership with Carlos Alcaraz.

However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion assured that he will be around for Alcaraz whenever the 20-year-old needs him.

Rafael Nadal drops retirement hints after bowing out of 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal was dejected after bowing out of the 2024 Paris Olympics as he missed out on the opportunity to add a third Olympic medal to his trophy cabinet. While the Spaniard was knocked out from the singles event in the second round, following a defeat to rival Novak Djokovic, Nadal had his hopes pinned on the doubles event.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The Spanish pair was looking good till the second round. However, Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz could not stand their ground against a much tougher opponent in the quarterfinals and were knocked out. This meant that Nadal’s hopes of winning another Olympic medal were crashed and he was disappointed. He also dropped retirement hints. 

It was disappointing to not bring back a medal for Spain but that’s it. I tried my best in every single minute that I was on court, but it was not enough to achieve our goals. If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions.
Rafael Nadal said in the post match press conference. (H/T: The Guardian)

However, Nadal has no plans of immediate retirement and is expected to play a few more tournaments. The 14-time French Open champion will feature for Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup.

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