Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are ready to join forces in the Olympic tournament
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are ready to join forces in the Olympic tournament in Paris. The two Spanish champions will debut in doubles today against the fearsome Gonzalez and Molteni, opponents not to be underestimated because of their great experience in this specialty.
In the past few hours, an alarm was triggered regarding Nadal’s physical condition. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had not trained on Thursday due to a discomfort in his right thigh and his coach Carlos Moya had not assured that he would participate in the Olympics Paris.
Luckily, Rafa came back to train yesterday on the Philippe Chatrier and looked in good shape. The former world number 1 brought the Olympic torch to the opening ceremony yesterday, taking it in from French football legend Zidane. Nadal is certainly one of the main attractions of these Olympics, since it is played on red clay of the French Open and is his last participation. If his body holds up, Nadal will play the single on Sunday against veteran Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
“We have to know where to return, select the right shot in each situation… With each game, we’ve felt better and better, more comfortable all-round. We’ll make mistakes from time to time. I doubt our opponents will: they know their roles, and we’ll have to face that from the start. We’re very excited and very focused on giving ourselves the best chance” – he added.
Rafa is a huge fan of his young compatriot: “Carlos is a brilliant player all-round. His fitness sets him apart: when you reach the ball in good time and with power, because you move quickly, it allows the talent in your hand to shine much more. Right now, because of his youth and physical power, he has the time to do it in situations in which I can’t get there anymore, and that sets him apart.
It doesn’t surprise me at all because I know him and I’ve seen him play. I think he’s a player destined to be one of the all-time greats. That’s what I sense when I see him play. You don’t know what will happen in life, but in terms of tennis and talent he has everything he needs to stay at the top.”
The wait is over
Alcaraz and Nadal have the right characteristics to reach the bottom of the doubles tournament, but the first match will be crucial to understand their ambitions. The draw was not particularly favourable for them, but the Olympic atmosphere should help them to express themselves at their best.
Carlitos decided to stay in the Olympic village, unlike the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and other athletes. “I want to be around my people, feel the passion and the energy. The selfies, memories, and hugs from all the mothers I get here are forever” – Alcaraz explained. He also paid tribute to Rafa: “The way he competes, his grit on court, never giving up on a single point… His ability to turn problems on their head is admirable, and I always try to follow his example on and off the court. His humility, with everything he has achieved, is certainly commendable.”
Nadal and Alcaraz will play doubles in the late afternoon on Philippe Chatrier. The four-time Grand Slam champion will also have to play the singles today, a double commitment that will require maximum concentration. Novak Djokovic will also make his debut today, as he will face Matt Ebden for a place in the second round.
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