Carlos Alcaraz on his Olympic dreams and hope of playing doubles with Rafael Nadal at Paris 2024
The newly crowned Wimbledon men's singles champion expressed his desire to play with his idol Rafael Nadal, before he retires.
Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz is considered the Spanish successor to the 22-time tennis grand slam winner Rafael Nadal.
While 20-year-old Alcaraz has just reached the summit of professional tennis, 37-year-old Nadal was winning ATP tour matches before his compatriot was even born.
The 14-time French Open winner Nadal has previously revealed that 2024 would be his last year in professional tennis, with the Olympics in Paris one of his aims. The rising Spanish tennis star Alcaraz also hopes to compete at the Games, not just in the men's singles, but also representing Spain in doubles with his idol, before a true legend of the sport retires.
“It would be a dream. Not only to win a medal at singles or doubles, but just to live the experience of playing a doubles with your idol, would be a memory that I would keep with special affection.”" Alcaraz told COPE.
Alcaraz and Nadal have never teamed up in doubles before. The pair have met each other three times in singles, with Nadal winning twice and Alcaraz once.
Before Alcaraz played the Wimbledon 2023 final against Novak Djokovic, Nadal wished his 17-year younger compatriot good luck, and he was also quick to congratulate Alcaraz following the victory.
“Congratulations @carlosalcaraz. You have given us immense joy today and I am sure that our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is. A very strong hug and enjoy the moment, Champion!!!,” Nadal wrote on Twitter.
The next big goal for Alcaraz is the 2023 US Open that he won last after defeating Casper Ruud in the final. The title was the first grand slam the young Spaniard clinched, and after winning his second grand slam at Wimbledon, he is full of confidence for what is to come.
“The US Open is a special tournament that I'm going to try to win again. At a professional level I am not afraid of anything or anyone. I am a boy who can continue making history and who can beat any player," Alcaraz said.
The US Open is played from 28 August to 10 September.