Rafael Nadal (38 / Rank 264) and Carlos Alcaraz (21 / Rank 2), the new and old Spanish tennis kings, will compete in men’s doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to ESPN on June 13, Spanish national team coach David Ferrer said, “As everyone expected, Nadal and Alcaraz will form a team to participate in the Paris Olympics men’s doubles tennis.” The two players, with a 17-year age difference, symbolize the past and present of Spanish tennis. Paris Olympic tennis location Roland Garros has a significant connection with both players.
One of the rising stars in men’s tennis, Alcaraz recently won the French Open, securing his third major title.
Alcaraz said, “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,” and “I think this year I’d choose Olympic gold.” Nadal, once known as the Emperor of the Clay Court, is the record holder for the most wins (14 times) at the French Open held at Roland Garros. In addition to the French Open, Nadal has won 22 major tournaments and a gold medal in men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Struggling with injuries recently, Nadal was beaten 0-3 by Alexander Zverev of Germany in the first round of this year’s French Open.
However, after the defeat, Nadal said, “My goal now is to compete in the Olympics,” and “I will prepare well to get in good physical condition.”
Both players will aim for gold medals in men’s singles and doubles at the Paris Olympics.
