WATCH: Rafael Nadal trains hard at his academy as he starts his preparation for Paris Olympics

Nadal will be seen partnering with Carlos Alcaraz for the doubles event at the upcoming Olympics.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal trains hard at his academy as he starts his preparation for Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal trains hard at his academy (Via Imago/screengrab X)

Before the start of the 2024 season, Rafael Nadal revealed that part of his priority was to play at the Paris Olympics. The Spaniard has kept to his word, withdrawing from Wimbledon because the Olympics will be played at the Roland Garros court, leaving a short time to adapt to grass and then clay surface.

In a bid to remain clay-ready, the 38-year-old was seen practicing on the clay court at his academy. The Spaniard is just returning from a disappointing French Open outcome which saw him exit in the first round. Despite being a 14-time French Open champion, he lost to an in-form Alexander Zverev.

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However, Nadal will be hoping for a better outcome at the Olympics with his experience at the event. The 22-time Grand Slam winner won the prestigious Olympic gold in 2008 and 2016 in singles and doubles respectively. Back to the present time, his clay performance has been below expectations. Following a second-round Barcelona exit, he played better at the Madrid Open but couldn’t get past the round of 16.

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It was followed up by a shocking second-round Rome exit. Nevertheless, if he continues to train on clay court, he may look more physically ready than others when the Paris Olympics commences on July 27.

Of course, [the] Olympic Games is one of the competitions I’d love to be at..I can’t say if it’s going to be my last or not. I hope to be there. Whether it’s my last tournament or not, I can’t say now.

Rafael Nadal said last May

Nadal will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics. A significant partnership that symbolizes the older and younger generations of Spanish Tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz excited to partner with Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics

Alcaraz is excited to partner with Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles of the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old recently claimed his maiden French Open title after beating Alexander Zverev in the final. The Spaniard is in the best form of his career and a partnership at the Olympics places them as favorites to win the gold medal.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Imago)

Alcaraz will be heading for his first Olympics, but going with Nadal, who has played at the event thrice, the three-time Grand Slam champion is excited at the opportunity.

I am very happy to be able to play with my idol, with Rafa. It is a great opportunity for me to enjoy that moment. I would never have expected to be able to play with Rafa in the Games.
Carlos Alcaraz said via as.com

Alcaraz began his grass season campaign against Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of the Queen’s Club Championship. The Spaniard won in a straight set 6-1, 7-5.

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