It has been revealed that Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will begin training for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They may even consider practicing doubles together.
On Sunday, the more seasoned Spaniard competed against Nuno Borges in the Bastad final. Nadal was outmatched by the Portuguese player in the ATP 250 competition final, losing in two sets despite putting in a lot of effort to get there.
The Spaniard later acknowledged that it wasn’t a great match, but with the Olympics quickly approaching, there isn’t time to lament. The Spanish newspaper AS claims that on Monday, July 22, Nadal had his first practice at Roland Garros.
Although the Spaniard worked alone throughout his session, Alcaraz is expected to join him in the next few days. The same story claims that Alcaraz started a private practice on Monday in order to get ready for the Olympics in Paris.
But as was already mentioned, he and Nadal should be practicing doubles together in the near future. The two celebrities are already at the Olympic village, where they are supposed to be staying, and numerous other athletes have already contacted them to request photos.
With only one week until the Olympic competition begins on Saturday, July 27, the two Spaniards will have very little time to train for their doubles and singles entries. Prior to their first game, players must prepare, and the most of them would want to train for at least a few days.
It’s critical to adjust to the fact that the conditions will differ slightly from Roland Garros. Since Alcaraz and Nadal will be playing doubles and have never played doubles together before, they should practice together.
In theory, doubles tennis may not be all that complex, but a lot of it really boils down to timing, chemistry, and mutual trust—all of which are essential for a match to occur.
This is among the reasons Nadal desired to participate in one training match with Alcaraz prior to the Games. But the schedule just didn’t work out; Wimbledon ended the day before the preparatory event was scheduled to begin.
It was promptly shut down by Alcaraz, and for good reason. He won the 2024 Wimbledon Championships after making a strong run, and he needed that week to heal.
But Nadal chose to play doubles in Bastad with Casper Ruud, and he looked good, winning both of their matches before pulling out before the semi-final.
Alcaraz doesn’t have much experience playing doubles. But with Nadal’s background and their extreme motivation, there’s a chance they may both shine under the five Olympic rings.
It will all depend on the practices and Nadal’s recuperation. He had a pretty pleasant looking week in Bastad, but it ended bitterly, especially with his extreme exhaustion at the conclusion.
Should he fail to recuperate promptly, he might succumb rapidly and be forced to play both singles and doubles.