Rafael Nadal gave brutally honest thoughts on Olympic doubles with Carlos Alcaraz
In the media day of the Olympic tournament, the legendary Spanish champion also underlined how it is a great honor to represent Spain at the Olympics
Here we are, Paris Olympics is upon us and the attention of the hungry tennis fans has shifted its gaze to the Roland Garros Stadium, where among others everyone is waiting with great expectations for the greatest champions, including Rafael Nadal.
Compared to the past, Rafa will share the expectations of the demanding Spanish fans and crowd with Carlos Alcaraz, fresh winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The two Spanish tennis players held the media day organized by the Spanish Olympic Committee this morning, which was also attended by the captains, David Ferrer and Anabel Medina and the remaining part of the team composed of Carreno Busta, Sara Sorribes and Cristina Bucsa.
Nadal in particular underlined how the doubles he will play together with Carlitos will not necessarily be a guarantee of a medal.
“I understand the emotion and the thrill of seeing us together, but that doesn’t guarantee success. Carlos hasn’t played many doubles, and I haven’t played many doubles or many singles. It’s a different competition. Playing on clay could help us because playing well from the baseline individually gives you advantages in points. We’ll start with energy and see what happens. It’s always a huge emotion to be at the Olympics, even if I’ve been there before. Participating in the biggest sporting event is an honor. e’ll try to go as far as possible.
Carlos and I haven’t had the chance to prepare like the other couples, but I trust in his great form. As for me, I hope that this last week, in which I’ve spent a lot of time on the court, will help me physically to raise my level to work, and we’ll see how to progress. We’ll try to train as much as possible to arrive with clear ideas,” explained Rafa.
Nadal has already won the gold medal in 2008 and, again during the media day, he underlined how that is one of the best memories of his glorious career.
“A victory that represents one of the best memories of my career. I always represent Spain, but at the Games you feel part of a great team. You feel the support and you feel very loved. Returning to the Village with a medal makes you feel incredibly good. And yes, these will be my last Games, that’s why I really care about being in Paris. I’m happy, and to be here I had to go through many difficult moments. I see it as a reward, which rejuvenates you. Playing with one of the best in the world, and if the injuries respect him, he will be one of the best in history, is an honor,” he said.
Now just a few days away from what will be his debut in the Olympic competition, the Spaniard returned to the courts of Paris that made him the greatest clay-court player in tennis history. Especially Philippe Chatrier, where Rafa has built part of his legendary career, studded with successes. The former world number 1 first shared the court with his partner Pablo Carreno Busta, and then had it all to himself in a personalized training session.
