Carlos Alcaraz has 'unique opportunity' to learn from Rafael Nadal at the Olympics, says Alex Corretja

ByLewis Mason

Published 19/06/2024 at 11:15 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz is defending his title at Queen's as he prepares for Wimbledon, where he will arrive as the reigning men's singles champion. That comes before an Olympic summer which will see him team up with Spanish compatriot Rafael Nadal in the men's doubles event at the Paris Games. It will be Alcaraz's Olympic debut, whereas Nadal played at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016.

Carlos Alcaraz could become an even better player due to the “unique opportunity” to play doubles alongside Rafael Nadal at the Olympics, says Alex Corretja.

Alcaraz and Nadal will pair up under the colours of the Spanish flag to form an intriguing team at the Paris Games, which begin on August 26 on discovery+

As exciting as the prospect is for tennis fans, it will be a daunting task for opposing duos on the Roland-Garros clay.

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Alcaraz will arrive at the Games as the reigning French Open champion following his success there earlier this year, alongside Nadal, who has been a Grand Slam champion 14 times on the Paris dirt.

Nadal is entered to play on clay in Bastad, Sweden in July and unless the pair play together there, it is likely Paris will be the first time they come together.

"It’s logical that they’re not going to have any preparation,” Corretja told Eurosport.

“But there is a certain chemistry and feeling that you get with players, and I think you’re going to have that between Rafa and Carlos, and [the other way] between Carlos and Rafa.”

'Honestly was so scared' - Alcaraz on meeting Nadal for first time

While 2008 gold medallist Nadal is preparing for a fourth Olympics, Alcaraz will make his Games debut in Paris.

Despite an age gap of 17 years, Corretja does not think it will be a one-way lesson for Alcaraz.

“In terms of when they step on the court, I think the two of them will learn from one another.

“I think for Carlitos it’s incredible to have the luck to have the experience of Rafa, for what he has been through, for what he’s felt, how he’s been able to manage all the biggest moments during his career.

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“And of course the freshness of a Carlos that’s coming on top form, that’s just won Roland-Garros, and I think that’s also going to help him [Alcaraz] to grow, and above all be aware of what a unique opportunity this is.

“In my opinion, I think he has that in his head and he’s going to enjoy it, I hope they do it,” he said.

Before Paris, Alcaraz has titles to defend at Queen’s and Wimbledon.

He safely navigated the first round at Queen’s and will face new British No. 1 Jack Draper next.

Nadal has opted not to play the grass-court season in order to continue working on clay in preparation for the Olympics.

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discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

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