Nadal Expecting ‘Great Level’ From Doubles Partner Alcaraz At Paris Olympics
Rafael Nadal will be teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he expects Alcaraz to perform at a high level. This prediction isn’t surprising given Alcaraz’s recent impressive form. Alcaraz’s surge began at Roland Garros, where he fought his way to the final and secured the trophy against tough…
Rafael Nadal will be teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he expects Alcaraz to perform at a high level. This prediction isn’t surprising given Alcaraz’s recent impressive form.
Alcaraz’s surge began at Roland Garros, where he fought his way to the final and secured the trophy against tough opponents. His victories over Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, both in grueling five-set matches requiring comebacks from being 1-2 down, were remarkable. Despite a setback at the Cinch Championships, where he lost to Jack Draper, Alcaraz bounced back at Wimbledon. He reached the final and dominated Novak Djokovic to claim the title.
With such performances, it’s reasonable to expect Alcaraz to excel in Paris. Nadal, asked about partnering with Alcaraz in the French capital, expressed high expectations and eagerness to train with him ahead of the Olympics.
“I know that if I can play good tennis on an individual level, I’ll do well in doubles too, but I have to analyze what happened this week and work hard. I’m convinced that Carlos Alcaraz will be at a great level because he’s coming in with confidence. We’ll train together this week,” Nadal stated.
Initially, Nadal considered competing with Alcaraz in Hamburg or Bastad doubles, but Alcaraz’s busy schedule made it impractical, especially after his deep Wimbledon run. Nadal then partnered with Casper Ruud in Bastad, where they reached the semi-final, proving his doubles capabilities.
Nadal and Marc Lopez won gold in doubles for Spain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Nadal also secured a singles gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Despite these successes, Nadal is excited about the 2024 Paris Olympics, considering them the pinnacle of sports events.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain. This is the most important event in sport, I hope I can find the energy I need and do good training,” said Nadal.
The 2024 Olympics will be intriguing for Nadal, particularly as they are held in Paris, a city where he has historically dominated. While few might favor his chances in singles or doubles due to his recent time away from the ATP Tour, the familiar venue could boost his prospects. Nadal might have better chances in doubles, given his strong partner Alcaraz and the numerous high-level singles competitors he would face, including Alcaraz himself.
