Rafael Nadal is gearing up to hit the ground running at the Paris Olympics, competing in both the singles and doubles categories. The Spanish player, who is well-known for his unwavering skill and unwavering dedication, hopes to add an Olympic gold medal while getting closer to retirement. Even though Rafa expressed some doubts about his own play, he has complete faith in Carlos Alcaraz, his doubles partner, to guide their team to victory in Paris.

The 38-year-old tennis legend already has two gold medals from the Olympics after winning the men’s singles title at the 2008 Beijing Games. He teamed up with Marc Lopez eight years later to win the doubles title in Rio. With this remarkable accomplishment, Rafael Nadal becomes the only tennis player in Olympic history to win gold in both the singles and doubles competitions.

Talking about his Olympic participation, he said, “I know that if I play well in singles, I will also play well in doubles, but I will have to work hard.” Notwithstanding the passing of a long time, Nadal is ready to win the round once more, having sent a confident message about his partner in a recent interview.  

While talking about his doubles partner, he said, “And I’m convinced that Carlos will be at a great level, knowing that he arrives with confidence.” The world No. 3 will be competing for the first time in the Olympics in Paris.

Subsequently, he told Tennis Channel that he was hoping to win both singles and doubles competitions when his collaboration with Rafael Nadal was announced earlier this year, calling their alliance a “dream.” On the other hand, he expressed his excitement, saying, “And obviously, the doubles with Rafa is going to be a really dream moment for me. Obviously, we will try to bring home the gold medal again.”

The four-time Grand Slam winner disclosed that he and Nadal would wait to talk strategy until they got to France. The 21-year-old acknowledged that, despite being an up-and-coming talent in the sport, he would yield to his more seasoned partner and let Nadal lead.

Carlos Alcaraz is a ‘rookie’ in front of Rafael Nadal

The 2024 Wimbledon winner said a few days ago that while he isn’t anxious about the Olympics just now, he expects to feel pressure once he gets to Paris. He conveyed his excitement to absorb knowledge from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who possesses an abundance of expertise from competing in the Olympics.

He said, “I’m not nervous right now. When the time comes, I will be. And yes, obviously, he’s already experienced this, he already knows what it’s like to play in the Olympics, to win a gold in both singles and doubles. I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to keep my mouth shut and just listen to him.”

The storyline involving Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz looks promising as the Paris Olympics approaches. With Alcaraz’s growing star power and Rafael Nadal’s seasoned experience, this partnership is sure to captivate tennis fans everywhere.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the doubles pair? Do let us know in the comment section below.