Carlos Alcaraz admits there’s something he’s already finding ‘tricky’ at the Olympics

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Carlos Alcaraz has admitted the challenges of playing singles and doubles at the Olympic Games.

The Spaniard is representing his country in both competitions at his debut Olympics and is competing alongside 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

Focusing on playing two different formats of tennis in one tournament is something Alcaraz is not familiar with.

But the 21-year-old has made a solid start to both competitions and has a strong chance of winning two medals in Paris.

Carlos Alcaraz expresses how is managing playing singles and doubles at the Olympics

Alcaraz had played just six doubles matches on the ATP Tour before the Paris Olympics.

He had only managed to practice with Nadal in the days leading up to the start of the Games, but they looked strong in their first match together.

They defeated Argentina’s Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez 7-6(4), 6-4 in round one and will face the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in round two.

Many wondered how Alcaraz would juggle playing both singles and doubles given his lack of experience doing so, and it has not been easy for him.

“I’m not used to playing doubles. I’m used to focusing just on singles, but it’s a really special moment for me playing doubles as well. I love playing doubles,” Alcaraz said post-match.

“So the preparations could be tricky a little bit with the singles, with the practice, doubles. But I’m trying to play my best on both sides.”

Is Carlos Alcaraz carrying an injury at the Paris Olympics?

Alcaraz is certainly one of the favourites for the gold medal at the Olympics, but he suffered a fitness scare during his second singles match.

At 4-5 down in the first set against Griekspoor, the World number three left the court to receive treatment on his adductor muscle.

After securing the win Alcaraz spoke of the discomfort he felt but confirmed he will be fit for his next doubles match alongside Nadal.

“It’s kind of normal this pain. I felt it before, I’ve been dealing with this problem before, in my adductor,” Alcaraz said. “I know how to deal with this pain. I think it’s not going to be serious so I’m going to be ready for doubles.”