There has been plenty of speculation surrounding a possible link-up between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris and it seems as if this dream team may be about to become a reality.
Nadal has voiced concerns over whether he will be fit to play at the French Open next month, with the best-of-five-set format threatening to be a step too far for an ageing legend who is struggling with injuries.
Yet the Spanish icon who has suggested this may be his final year in tennis has two chances to play on the Roland Garros courts that have helped to establish his enduring legacy as the ultimate ‘King of Clay’ in men’s tennis.
The home of the French Open will also be the stage for the Olympic tennis tournament this summer, with shorter best-of-three-set matches in that event giving Nadal a more realistic chance to compete with the game’s biggest names.
He also looks set to enter the doubles competition with Alcaraz, after the young Spaniard admitted he was wary of asking his idol to play with him at the Olympics.
“It’s a decision that we have to make,” said Alcaraz of a possible Olympics partnership with Nadal.
“We spoke a little bit, but he was in a rush to get to his training. We are going to speak about the Olympic Games and if everything is going well, we are going to do it.
When asked whether Alcaraz has asked him to play with him in Paris 2024, Nadal offered up this answer.
“No, he doesn’t have to ask me anything. It’s also hugely exciting for me,” said Nadal.
“If I’m not mistaken, it is for him, too. It would be amazing to play a tournament together before the Olympics. To prepare ourselves and get some rapport on court.
“I think if we’re both fit enough, why not? We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things. It’d be good for both of us. I think it’d also be good for the Spanish team.
“We’ll see how things progress. I hope to be good enough to be a good partner for him, I’m sure he will be for me. We’ll see where that takes us. I also hope to be able to work together a bit.
“We could have the chance to form a great team, and aspire to great things.”
Like so many tennis fans around the world, the final days of Nadal’s career are laced with sadness and joy, with Alcaraz sharing those emotions.
“Every time he’s going to step on the court, he’s going to compete in the tournaments, I’m going to enjoy it,” said the reigning Wimbledon campion in an interview with the Tennis Channel.
“I’m going to watch it and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can. I remember watching his matches when I was growing up, and it’s fantastic to share the locker room, to share the tournaments with him a little bit.
“I hope it’s not going to be his last time here, I’m hoping that. From what he has said, it will probably be his last time.”
Nadal’s farewell to the Spanish fans may be an emotional experience at the Madrid Open, but that will be nothing compared to the joy he will feel if he wins an Olympic golf medal for Spain with Alcaraz this summer.
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