Written Carlos Alcaraz set his sights on returning to Roland-Garros 40 days after winning his maiden French Open title, but this time he wants to compete alongside his idol Rafael Nadal at the Olympics.
The 21-year-old Spanish player defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets, 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, to win the French Open and earn his third Grand Slam victory in as many years.
Following his victory celebration, Alcaraz expressed his excitement about competing in a dream doubles combination with Nadal at the Olympics in Paris in late July.
Alcaraz expressed his thoughts about it in a recent interview and said: “When I return to this stadium at the end of July, I will probably have some cool flashbacks that will come to mind. It will be a very special tournament, my first Olympics, just after winning my first Roland. Fighting for a gold medal for my country and playing doubles with my idol, Rafael Nadal, are things that I will only believe after experiencing them.”
Since Alcaraz and Nadal have never competed together, it is unclear exactly how they will assist one another on the court. In his brief professional career, Alcaraz himself has relatively little doubles-playing experience.
Speaking in April at the Madrid Open, Nadal also talked about how excited he was to collaborate with Alcaraz at the Olympics. Nadal said: “It’s also hugely exciting for me. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve heard it is for him too. 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, so 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 first.”
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Now the world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 9th of June when he overcame world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 in the final of the French Open to win his 15th career title.
This season the Spaniard achieved an overall 25-5 match record. The Spaniard conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.264, the Spaniard played his last match on the 27th of May when he lost to world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 in the 1st round of the French Open (draw).
During this season Rafael owns a 7-5 record.
Nadal will play next at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal fought against each other 3 times. Their actual head to head record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they fought against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.