The dream pair will begin their Olympic adventure. Tennis stars Rafael Nadal (38 years old) and Carlos Alcaraz (21 years old) will represent Spain in doubles starting Saturday, July 27, a mix of generations that will make your mouth water. “Playing with Rafa is a dream, but it does not guarantee success,” warned the cadet in a press conference on Wednesday after a training session at Roland-Garros, the tournament’s home. A medal is not won with a name.
Even though the two Iberians will be playing on familiar ground, since they have 15 titles between them at Porte d’Auteuil (14 for the Majorcan, one last June for the young Murcian), they do not have the same guarantees. Although Alcaraz is coming in with a Roland-Garros-Wimbledon double, Nadal does not have the same physical guarantees, even though he has just reached the final of the Bastad tournament. “I hope that the time spent on the courts will help me get back up to speed physically,” the elder said on Wednesday.
“My victory in Beijing is one of my best memories”
The two men received an extraordinary welcome in the Olympic Village on Tuesday, proof of the anticipation surrounding their partnership. But the pair dubbed “Nadalcaraz” by the Spanish media have no experience in the exercise together, even though the elder was Olympic champion with Marc Lopez in 2016. They must get to know each other. “We have not been able to prepare together, but we have confidence in Carlos’ form,” continued Nadal. “And I hope to reach a good level.”
In any case, and despite his long list of achievements, “Rafa” remains as hungry as ever. And it doesn’t matter if the Olympic tournament doesn’t have the prestige of a Grand Slam. “I lost in London or Tokyo and that hurt more than not playing a Grand Slam,” he swore. “On the other hand, my victory in Beijing is one of my best memories. At the Games, you’re part of a great team, you feel the support. These are my last Games, I’m really happy to be in Paris. After what I’ve been through, I see it as a reward, it makes me feel younger!” And the Parisian public is eager to see their darling for, possibly, his very last appearance at Roland-Garros.