Rafael Nadal has played down expectations that he and compatriot Carlos Alcaraz will claim a medal at the Paris Olympics in the doubles tournament.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will be one of the big attractions in the tennis tournament at the Games, which will be held on clay at Roland Garros. Nadal has won 14 out of his 22 Grand Slam singles titles in Paris and Alcaraz is the current French Open champion. Despite their credentials, the duo are not getting too carried away about their chances of success.
“I understand a little bit the morbid illusion of seeing us play together but let’s not think that this translates into success, Ithink it’s a mistake. Carlos hasn’t played many doubles and I haven’t played many doubles or many singles lately,” the Reuters news agency quoted Nadal as telling reporters.
“We are going to do our best to try, at least, to leave with the peace of mind of having done everything possible to get where we can get (but) obviously, we have not been able to prepare together for a tournament like this, where there are other doubles teams that have been preparing,” he added.
So far this season, Nadal has played just two doubles events on the Tour but Alcaraz hasn’t played any. They are both also taking part in the singles events.
The king of clay has previously won gold at the Games on two occasions. In 2008 Nadal won the individual title before triumphing in the doubles event with Marc López in 2016.
“Things happen much faster, the reflexes have to be ready and the movements are not automatic when one has not played for a long time. There are doubles movements that are completely different from the individual ones,” Nadal explained.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz says he is relishing the challenge in what will be his Olympic debut at the age of 21. He has won the last two major events this year, as well as the Indian Wells Masters.
“I have not had the opportunity to play many doubles tournaments, but obviously having the illusion of returning to Roland Garros, to these courts that I have always enjoyed playing… makes it easier,” he said.
“We also have days of training, individually and doubles to adapt as best as possible again to return to clay and be able to gain confidence to start the tournament in the best possible way,” he added.
In Olympic history, Spain has won 13 medals – two golds, seven silvers and four bronzes.