Carlos Alcaraz explains what it would feel like to play doubles with his “idol” Rafael Nadal at the Olympics

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Carlos Alcaraz expressed his excitement to team up with Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Following a curtailed clay court season due to injury, the 21-year-old ended it in the best possible way by winning the French Open for the first time.

He came from two sets to one down to power through sets four and five and claimed a 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Alexander Zverev after four hours and 19 minutes.

The Spaniard is set to return to the scene of his latest Grand Slam triumph as the Olympics tennis event will be played at Roland Garros.

He will have a chance to not only win singles gold but also achieve success in the doubles event alongside the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Carlos Alcaraz delighted to play with Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Paris Olympics

For some months the idea of Nadal and Alcaraz playing alongside one another at the Olympics was discussed and now it is official with Nadal now being confirmed for the Spanish team in Paris.

Reports state the 37-year-old has used his protective ranking to qualify and will play singles as well as doubles with Alcaraz.

The three-time Grand Slam champion spoke with French media outlet L’Équipe after winning the French Open about playing doubles with 2008 Olympic gold medalist.

“When I return to this stadium at the end of July, I will probably have some cool flashbacks that will come to mind,” the World number two said. “It will be a very special tournament, my first Olympics just after winning my first Roland Garros.

“Fighting for a gold medal for my country, playing doubles with my idol, Rafael Nadal, are things that I will only believe after experiencing them.”

Has Carlos Alcaraz played doubles?

As masterful as he is on the singles court, Alcaraz has very little experience playing doubles in his young career. The 21-year-old has played just six doubles matches so far and has won three of them. 

According to Spanish news outlet Cope, Nadal plans to play singles at the Hamburg Open in July and is also keen to play doubles there with Alcaraz, to build their chemistry before competing at the Paris Games.

Back in April at the Madrid Open, Nadal expressed his desire to team up with Alcaraz in the French capital. “It’s also hugely exciting for me,” Nadal said. “If I’m not mistaken, I’ve heard it is for him too. 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.”