Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz get small window of hope to play the Paris Olympics despite violating Davis Cup participation rule

A slight window of hope is present for Rafael Nadal to play alongside Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz get small window of hope to play the Paris Olympics despite violating Davis Cup participation rule

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz (Via Tennis.com)

The two Spanish sensations, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz had always wanted to play side by side. They had a chance at the Paris Olympics, but with Nadal’s injuries and Alcaraz’s failure to participate in the Davis Cup, both stars blew their shot. 

However, according to Marca, they still have another opportunity. Both players must plead their cases to the ITF, giving reasons for their failure to meet the requirements. 

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To participate in the Olympics, one must be a part of their country’s Davis Cup team on at least two separate occasions during that Olympic cycle. This meant that for both the former World No. 1s to be part of the Paris Olympics, they must have played in the 2023 or 2024 Davis Cup.

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Unfortunately, Spain got a wildcard entry into the 2024 Davis Cup group stage, meaning Alcaraz may not be able to perform. Whereas, Nadal hasn’t played in this tournament since 2019, when he helped Spain lift the trophy.

However, now, according to the latest news, both players still have the opportunity to plead their cases and only hope for the best.

Rafael Nadal hopes to play in the Olympic Games one more time

‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal is all set to make an epic comeback in 2024 after a horror of an injury. He looks to play as much tennis as possible before he hangs up his racket. The Spaniard is eager to play at the Olympics for one last time and is motivated to play alongside current Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. 

He said: 

Regarding the fact of playing doubles with Carlos, I have not had the slightest conversation with him in that regard. But I would also like and it would be a good motivation, another incentive for me to be able to close my Olympic cycle playing with Carlos.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via The Australian)

With that being said, all their hopes of playing together depend on the ITF and how they handle the case. Nadal has to present his medical report, and Alcaraz has to present his points about the wildcard entry of Spain and only wait and hope for the best.

With the tournament taking place at Roland Garros, where Nadal holds the best record, it would be a huge plus point for Spain to let their two best players perform for their team together. 

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