Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal’s doubles partnership completely captured the hearts of the tennis world.
With the ‘King of Clay’ having left Carlos Alcaraz to inherit his Roland Garros throne, the 21-year-old promptly took up the reins in June to win his maiden French Open title.
While lazy stereotypes of Spanish players are often made, their outrageous court coverage and heavy forehands are the components that carried Rafael Nadal to glory and so far, look to be propelling Alcaraz to stardom.
Despite Olympic doubles defeat, the pair imposed their dynamism and energy throughout their time together.
Spanish tennis looks in good hands, at least on the men’s side, with former world number two Paula Badosa keen to get herself back up the rankings, after an injury-hampered 18 months.
Who out of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz does Paula Badosa like more?
She has been watching on as her two compatriots fought bravely for their nation, and with the pair both so immediately likable, Badosa weighed in on who she prefers.
As reported on X, she said: “That’s so hard. That’s like choosing between your mama and papa. I can’t decide.
“I have to answer. Rafa is my idol, but I love Carlitos and I know him well also. So…look I’ll go with Carlitos now.”
With Nadal Spain’s sporting hero for around two decades, he swept up 22 grand slam titles, including a whopping 14 French Open’s.
As the baton has been firmly handed to Alcaraz, I suppose Badosa is merely looking to the future rather than reminiscing on the past.
What has happened to Paula Badosa this year?
Badosa has so far experienced a difficult 2024 marked by an ebb and flow of challenges and comebacks.
After dealing with injuries in previous seasons, she began 2024 healthy and optimistic, starting her season at the Adelaide International.
She made a notable comeback victory over Emma Navarro in the second round in Rome.
Having reached the last 16 at Wimbledon, Badosa decided to skip the Paris Olympics to prioritize her health and rankings, opting instead to compete in the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. due to concerns about rapid surface changes and her back issues.
With limited glory for Spain’s women on the WTA tour since Garbine Muguruza’s triumphs, Badosa will be keen to stay fit and eventually force herself back into the conversation.
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