Paris Olympics: Exhilarated Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Major Tennis Regret Before Teaming Up With Idol Rafael Nadal

As the Olympics draw near, anticipation to witness the two Spaniards, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, play alongside each other is steadily rising! The King of Clay knows the taste of victory in the Olympics doubles as he already has a gold medal (from 2016) in his list of achievements. However, such is not the case with the French Open winner, Alcaraz, whom fans have not seen playing doubles since 2022. Addressing this, Alcaraz recently spoke about his regret over the matter.

When Rafael Nadal announced he would be playing his last Olympics this year, his fans were indeed excited to witness his last dance in the event. But Carlos Alcaraz was doubly thrilled! This is because he received the golden opportunity to pair up with his idol and 22-time Grand Slam champion for the first time in his career in the doubles category! However, the World No. 519 in doubles shared one regret during a recent interview.

“I have not been able to play enough doubles as I would have liked. It’s something I like. Play with volleys, with a partner who is your friend on top of that.” When the former U.S. Open champion last played in doubles, it was in Madrid in 2022, and his partner was Marc Lopez. Along with him, he made it to the second round of the tournament but encountered a loss against Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof (3-6, 6-3, 7-10). 

Nevertheless, the World No. 2 is now preparing to show better results this year with Nadal by his side. “It’s something that makes me excited, even more so with Rafa.” Unlike the doubles, the former Wimbledon Champion has produced contrasting results in the singles. The three-time Grand Slam champion has an astounding 14 ATP Tour-level singles title to his name. Even after battling with arm injuries this year, the former World No. 1 already has two titles in his bags (Indian Wells and the French Open). 

While Alcaraz has only played nine matches in the team format, Rafael Nadal boasts an impressive record of 138-76 in doubles. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old player is hopeful of creating magic alongside Alcaraz in the Olympics. “I will try to arrive as best as possible and as prepared as possible to be a good partner for him,” he recently said. On the other hand, Alcaraz also shared his joy over the matter!

Carlos Alcaraz hopes to have a “great time” with Rafa in the Olympics!

With the hope of learning a lot of things from Nadal, Alcaraz is determined to give his best to take their country, Spain, to the glory of success. As they do so, fans will get a glimpse of this new partnership in one of the greatest stages of the world! “I mean, I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa.” However, as the opportunity arose, his excitement grew even more.

“It is a unique moment for me. But of course I am very happy about it. Let’s see how it’s going to be. But it’s going to be a great time.” he said later on. Filled with anticipation, Alcaraz is determined to make the most of his time with Nadal. He further added, “Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well.”

As the duo prepares for the Games, fans will get a glimpse of this new partnership in one of the greatest stages of the world!