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The world of tennis is set to witness a historic partnership at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as Spanish legends Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz team up for the doubles tournament. This announcement, confirmed by Spain's team captain David Ferrer, has instantly become the talk of the tennis community.
A Historic Partnership for Olympic Glory
Nadal, the undisputed king of clay with a record 14 titles at Roland Garros, will join forces with Alcaraz, the rising star who recently clinched victory at the French Open. This dynamic duo is expected to draw global attention and is considered a strong contender for the Olympic gold.
"I'm very happy to play with my idol, Rafa. It's a great opportunity for me to enjoy this moment. I never expected to play with Rafa in the Olympics," Alcaraz expressed during his press conference at the ATP Queen's Club Championship.
A Blend of Experience and Youth
Nadal's extensive experience on the clay courts of Roland Garros will be invaluable for Alcaraz, who is eager to learn and grow both as a player and a person. With Nadal by his side, Alcaraz is set to gain insights and skills that could propel their partnership to the top.
"Rafa knows very well what Roland Garros is all about. I believe he will teach me how to handle everything. I'm the young guy who needs to grow. Having him next to me, playing doubles, practicing... It's my first Olympics. Many new things. It would be a dream for me to win a medal with him," Alcaraz added.
The Road to Paris
Alcaraz has not competed in doubles since the Madrid Masters 1000 in 2022, where he partnered with Marc López. Interestingly, López, now part of Nadal's coaching team, was Nadal's partner when they won the Olympic gold in Rio 2016. Nadal also clinched the individual gold in Beijing 2008, marking his first ascent to the world No. 1 ranking.
"I haven't been able to play as much doubles as I would have liked. It's something I enjoy, playing with volleys, with a partner who is also your friend. It's something that excites me, even more so with Rafa. It's been two years without playing doubles, but I think I'll be ready," Alcaraz explained.
With this exciting announcement, the anticipation for the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris has reached new heights. The combination of Nadal's legendary status and Alcaraz's youthful vigor promises to make a significant impact on the court.
Editor: Yana Davydiuk
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