Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are still due to form one of the most hotly-anticipated doubles partnerships in tennis history this summer, when they compete for Olympic gold in Paris.
Having both enjoyed success at Roland Garros, with the former being regarded as the greatest to ever do it on clay, there are huge expectations placed on their shoulders despite neither being a doubles specialist.
It is just widely considered that, with the quality of the duo, their adaptation should be swift and seamless.
However, it is worth remembering that they both also have a run at the singles title as well to contend with.
Rafael Nadal makes prediction about Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics
Both Nadal and Alcaraz are set to start their Olympics preparation today at Roland Garros, and the fact that they will train separately first speaks volumes for their respective priorities.
There is nothing more coveted than a singles title, and the two could become adversaries if they enjoy a fine run deep into the competition.
However, the elder of the two is under no illusions about who the favourite would be should they meet, and speaking after losing the Swedish Open final in his press conference, he gave a prediction for how Carlos Alcaraz will fare.
Rafael Nadal noted: ‘I just need to prepare myself for playing well in singles. If that happens I will play in doubles. He [Alcaraz] will play well without a doubt because he comes in with big confidence and he’s playing well every single tournament.Â
‘We need to practice a little bit together before the tournament starts and then let’s fight for every single point. Let’s see if we are able to create a good couple there and see how we feel playing together.’
Rafael Nadal has enjoyed a flawless week of Olympics preparation
In an effort to properly prepare for the Olympics, Nadal, who had opted out of Wimbledon in order to focus on a return to clay, enlisted in the Bastad Open last week.
An ATP 250 event, there was little expectation for him to go deep, especially with players like Cam Norrie, Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud all in the draw.
But, also playing in the doubles with the latter, it was more a week of development rather than vying for the titles.
Or so he thought.
By Sunday, he found himself in the final of the singles, having overcome Norrie and Mariano Navone, the latter of which saw the two clash for just shy of four hours.
An incredible physical feat for a player of his age, this has been the best possible practice for what promises to be a really tightly-contested battle for Olympic medals.
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