Carlos Alcaraz comments on partnership with Rafael Nadal at the Olympics: “I’ll shut up and listen”
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will team up for doubles at the upcoming Olympics, and the young Wimbledon champion has made it clear that Nadal will be calling the shots.
Alcaraz, a two-time Wimbledon champion at just 21, expressed his deference to Nadal, emphasizing that he feels like the “rookie” compared to the tennis icon. He stated that he would “shut up and listen” to Nadal, who has won Olympic gold in both singles and doubles.
The tennis world was thrilled when the partnership was announced, and although Alcaraz has limited doubles experience, the pairing is expected to be a highlight of the Games. Nadal’s previous Olympic success includes singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016 with Marc Lopez. Both players will also compete in singles this year.
Alcaraz admitted that while he isn’t nervous yet, he anticipates feeling the nerves as the Games approach. He acknowledged Nadal’s extensive Olympic experience and his own role as the newcomer who needs to follow Nadal’s lead.
With a busy schedule leading up to the Olympics, Alcaraz’s preparation time will be limited. However, playing at Stade Roland Garros, where Nadal has a record 14 French Open titles and Alcaraz recently won his first, should be advantageous for both.
Although communication between the two has been minimal so far, Alcaraz expects they will discuss their doubles strategy more once the Games begin. Nadal has expressed a desire to play doubles with Alcaraz, seeing it as a fitting way to close his Olympic career.
Despite the excitement of the Olympics, Alcaraz admitted he’s too shy to ask for selfies with other athletes and hasn’t thought about who he might want a photo with. He humbly suggested that Nadal, rather than himself, will be the main attraction for fellow athletes seeking photos in the Olympic Village.
Alcaraz also expressed his respect for all athletes representing Spain at the Games, saying he would be happy to take photos with anyone who asks, but predicting that Nadal will draw most of the attention.
