Alongside fellow countryman Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz is aiming for glory at the Olympics in Paris, despite their previous disagreements over the significance of the Games.
Rafael Nadal believes that Grand Slam victories are more significant for tennis players than winning gold at the Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz disagrees. Alcaraz’s ambition to win his first gold medal is more in line with that of Roger Federer, Nadal’s longtime rival, who was as driven to victory at the Olympics.
When Nadal and Alcaraz compete as Spain’s men’s tennis doubles representatives in the Paris Olympics this month, they will undoubtedly have a fantastic pairing. Alcaraz, the 21-year-old sensation who won the Wimbledon and French Open championships this year, is partnering with Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Having already won gold in the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016, it is anticipated to be one of the 38-year-old’s last outings at a major tournament before his retirement. But even before he won his first in Beijing, Rafael Nadal was certain that winning a Grand Slam was more important than winning an Olympic gold medal.
“A little bit less,” Nadal remarked in comparison to the other honor. “A Grand Slam is unique to us. Grand Slams are unique. Olympics are significant as well, but only after the majors.”
Alcaraz, his doubles partner, was five years old when the quotation was made, and he thinks significantly differently than his idol. Having already achieved three Grand Slams, the youthful Murcian is keen to add more gold to his expanding collection. Alcaraz responded, “It is difficult to decide, but I would say the Games,” when asked which he would be more enthusiastic about: winning Wimbledon or the Olympics.
“You represent your nation and all Spaniards at these every four years. I’ll have flashbacks when I return here. My first Games forty days after my first Roland Garros can be quite great. I’d rather win an Olympic gold medal.”
Although he claimed 20 Grand Slam titles, retired tennis great Roger Federer did not have the same level of success at the Olympics as Nadal. That helps to explain why he and Alcaraz have similar positions regarding the quadrennial event.
In July 2008, the Swiss told reporters, “A Grand Slam may still be more beneficial to my career even if I am a player without any Grand Slams. But an Olympic gold ranks as high for me as I already have twelve.
“I was thrilled to compete for Switzerland at the 2000 Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal. Even though the last visit was very disappointing due to the loss in the second round, it was still one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
“So I’ll always come play in the Olympics as long as I can walk and move around.” Maybe I will fly the flag, who knows? That would also be a tremendous honor. It is unquestionably very, very high on my scale.”
At the 2000 Sydney Games, Federer was defeated by Arnaud Di Pasquale in his bronze medal match. Four years later at Athens, he too lost to Tomas Berdych in the second round.
The Swiss player experienced further Olympic misery in London 2012 when he lost to Andy Murray in the championship match. Four weeks earlier, the Swiss had defeated the Scot in the Wimbledon final at the same stadium. As he recovered from knee surgery, he was unable to compete in the Rio games.
Nadal stated last month that it’s a fantastic opportunity to participate at the Games, the biggest sports event in the world, suggesting that he has learned to appreciate the Olympics over the years. I’m glad to be here. This will be my final one. It devastated me more to miss both London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 than it did to miss a Grand Slam.