The Spanish tennis federation has just announced that legend Rafael Nadal and current world no 2 Carlos Alcaraz will play doubles together for Spain at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This news comes just three days after Alcaraz won Roland Garros for the first time and his third Slam in total. The same court as Carlitos just won on and where Nadal has dominated (14 Roland Garros titles) for so many years, will be used for this summer’s Olympic Games and it will be thrilling to see what the pair can achieve on the Paris clay together.
“Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris,” was the comment from Spanish team captain David Ferrer when announcing the team.
Apart from Rafa and Carlitos, the Spanish olympic team also consists of Pablo Carreño Busta, Alejandro Davidovich and Marcel Granollers.
The Olympic tennis tournament will be held between July 27th and August 3rd on the famous clay courts on Stade Roland-Garros.
Nadal to focus on the Olympics
Rafa Nadal was recently seen at the French Open where he was beaten in the first round to Alexander Zverev. He has now announced he will skip the Wimbledon tournament and instead focus on the Olympics where he will also play the singles event.
“The Olympic gold is the most difficult title for a tennis player to win,” Nadal commented. “You only have one or two shots at it.”
The Spanish legend already hold the Olympic gold medals in singles in 2008 (see video below) and doubles in 2016 together with Marc López.
Alcaraz on the other hand, is in red hot form after winning his 3rd Slam and is truly looking forward to playing the Olympics. Especially together with Nadal, being his childhood hero.
Carlos recently stated: “The Olympic Games are every four years and it’s a special tournament where you’re not only playing for yourself, but for a country, representing every Spaniard,” the No. 2-ranked Alcaraz said. “I think this year I’d choose Olympic gold.”
