Nadal excited to compete alongside ‘best player in the world’

Few doubles pairings create a buzz quite like that of the impending partnership between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024.

Not least amongst the two players themselves.

“I’m very excited to play with the best player in the world at the moment,” Nadal told assembled Press in Spanish during a news conference at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

Nadal and Alcaraz spoke to media fresh from their first doubles practice ahead of the Olympic Tennis Event, which kicks off on Saturday.

Nadal assumed the mentor role throughout the session against Marcel Granollers and Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain’s other entry in the men’s doubles event, offering frequent advice to Spain’s latest superstar singles talent.

“Carlos hasn’t played many doubles, and I haven’t played many doubles or many singles lately, so we are trusting in Carlos’ momentum,” said Nadal.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who won singles gold at Beijing 2008, is returning to Olympic competition for the first time since Rio 2016, where he won doubles gold alongside Marc Lopez.

Nadal, who also competed in the doubles event alongside Carlos Moya at Athens 2004 but was forced to miss London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 through injury, says that competing at the Olympics has been particularly special.

“Unfortunately I missed two Olympic Games during a good moment in my career – at London and Tokyo,” reflected Nadal. “It hurt me more than missing Grand Slams.”

Alcaraz, on his part, might have a clearer path to singles gold following the news of Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from Paris 2024 due to tonsilitis.

Added to that is the fact that the four-time Grand Slam champion is playing for plenty more than personal ambition in Paris.

“I don’t feel like I’m playing on my own, but I’m playing for my teammates and for my whole country,” he said. “That makes it even more special.”