By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
What a huge boost for the Spanish national tennis team.
Days after Carlos Alcaraz won his French Open title while also expressing his desire to play doubles with Rafael Nadal in the upcoming Paris Olympics, the young Spaniard’s dream just came true after the Spanish Tennis Federation confirmed the update on June 12, 2024.
It was Spain team captain David Ferrer who announced that Alcaraz and Nadal will be joining forces and will fly together to Paris.
Last June 9, 2024, Alcaraz boldly said in the microphone at Roland Garros that he will love to team up with Nadal in the Olympics.
“To fight to be an Olympic champion and to bring a medal to my country, to play doubles in the Games with Rafa Nadal. Well, these are things that I won’t believe until I experience the moment,” said Alcaraz.
The possibility of the tandem was still in question several days ago as Nadal was still fresh off a first-round exit in the recently concluded French Open Grand Slam event.
Despite dropping his opening game in his pet surface against this year’s finalist, Alexander Zverev, Nadal still kept his heads up and shut down retirement rumors.
Last 2008 edition of the Olympics, Nadal brought pride to Spain after clinching the men’s singles title while following it up with another gold in 2016 together with his doubles partner Marc Lopez.
Meanwhile, the young and energetic Alcaraz is still looking for his first major achievement in the Olympics and will be making his debut in the seniors division.
“It can be a very nice tournament, my first Olympic Games, 40 days after winning my first Roland Garros. I think it’s going to be a very special tournament for me. I’m really looking forward to it,” added Alcaraz.
