“It is clear that it will not be easy,” Toni Nadal on Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal’s partnership at 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal will have his eyes on a third Olympic goal medal when he partners with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“It is clear that it will not be easy,” Toni Nadal on Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal’s partnership at 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal (R) and Carlos Alcaraz (L), Toni Nadal (inset) (Images via Imago)

Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal is set to pair up with World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz for the men’s doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the Summer Games being touted as Nadal’s final career tournament, there is a lot of anticipation and excitement ahead of the event.

Nadal is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having won the singles title at the 2008 Beijing Games and the doubles crown at the 2016 Rio Games. While his chances of winning another gold medal in the singles look bleak, the former World No. 1 and Alcaraz are one of the favorites in the doubles event in Paris this year.

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However, Nadal’s childhood coach and uncle Toni Nadal believes that there are a few challenges that await the Spanish pair in the French capital. Toni, speaking on the sidelines of the ATP 250 in Mallorca, where he serves as the director, shared his insights on the upcoming Summer Games. While Toni is also excited to see Nadal and Alcaraz combine forces at the Olympics, he is worried about the latter’s lack of experience in doubles. That said, he has backed the Spanish pair to be one of the favorites to clinch the doubles gold medal.

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Rafa and Carlos want to do a good job. I think they are gold medal contenders. Afterward, it is also clear that it will not be easy because they have never played together, and in doubles that counts.  Rafa is used to playing doubles, this is not the case of Carlos, but he is still one of the best players in the world today
Toni Nadal said (H/T: We Love Tennis)

Carlos Alcaraz ready to work around challenges with Rafael Nadal at Paris Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz, who is well aware of his lack of experience playing doubles, has stated that he is excited to play alongside his idol Rafael Nadal at the Olympics. After his name was confirmed for the Summer Games this year, the 21-year-old disclosed that did not expect to be paired up with Nadal at the quadrennial event.

That said, Alcaraz is eager to learn from his senior compatriot ahead of his maiden Olympic appearance. 

I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa. Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well. Of course, it’s going to be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him.
Carlos Alcaraz said about playing with Rafael Nadal during a press conference. (H/T: AS.com)

While Alcaraz might not be a regular doubles player, the Spaniard is among the best singles players in the world currently, and his triumph at the 2024 Roland Garros would have skyrocketed his confidence. With the Paris Olympics set to be played on the same surface and venue as Roland Garros, the youngster will be confident about taking on opponents while sharing the court with Nadal.

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