Carlos Alcaraz still dreams of playing doubles with Rafael Nadal at the Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz assured, Saturday April 6, that despite Rafael Nadal’s physical setbacks, he “still hoped” playing the doubles at the Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) with his illustrious compatriot. “Of course I still hope to play doubles with him at the Olympics! It would be a dream. There are four months left and anything can happen”ensured the world number 3 on the eve of the start of the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo, for which Nadal, still injured, withdrew.

This absence of the king of the earth, who will be 38 years old on June 3, changes nothing in the daily life of the youngest who emphasizes having “little crossed” on the circuit. “We haven’t played many tournaments together, so his absence doesn’t change much for me. But as a tennis fan, I regret that Rafa won’t play in Monte-Carlo.”developed Alcaraz.

Nadal, delayed return

The latter asserted himself on the circuit in 2021 and rose to the elite the following year, becoming world number 1 with his coronation at the US Open. However, due to injuries, Nadal has hardly played since his 14th coronation at Roland-Garros in 2022 – which then allowed him to establish the record for Grand Slam titles at 22, since raised to 24 by Novak Djokovic . Hampered by physical problems, the Spanish champion has not ruled out the idea of ​​retiring if he cannot find a good level of play.