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Carlos Alcaraz makes humble confession as he prepares to partner with Rafael Nadal in Paris
By James Richardson,
2024-06-17
Carlos Alcaraz practises ahead of a return top the ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz hopes that he will get his chance to team up with Rafael Nadal at the Olympic Games.
With Spain allowed to enter four qualified players at the games it appears likely that Alcaraz will get his wish.
While Nadal isn’t currently qualified, if he is passed fit he will almost certainly be granted a wildcard entry into Olympic events.
Three Spanish players are currently ranked in the top 56 players in the world, and would be eligible to play in the Olympics if they were starting next week. Alcaraz leads that trio as the current world No 2 followed by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (World No 33) and Pedro Martinez (World No 45).
If that status quo is maintained it will make things easier on Spain as they won’t have to cut a player from their submissions in order to make way for Nadal.
Alcaraz is positively giddy at the prospect of getting to team up with his idol for the Olympic games, seeing it as a great opportunity to learn from the best.
He also feels that doubles tennis can be something that is useful to a singles star like himself and admitted that he has a lot to learn about the game still.
“I haven’t been able to play as much doubles as I would have liked,” Alcaraz told Punto De Break.
“It’s something I like, playing with volleys, with a partner who is also your friend. It’s something that makes me excited, even more so with Rafa. I am very happy to be able to play with my idol, 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.”
Alcaraz hopes to sit under the learning tree of Nadal and feels that the record-breaking icon will have insights into the sport that he will not be able to gather from anyone else.
“I think he’s going to teach me how to deal with everything,” Alcaraz added.
“I am the young boy who needs to grow as a player and as a person. Having him by my side playing doubles, training… These are my first Games and many new things. It would be a dream for me to get a medal with him.”#
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