Carlos Alcaraz could also be coming off back-to-back Grand Slam titles however he nonetheless has large respect for Rafael Nadal forward of the Paris Olympics, highlighting that he’s the one who must hearken to the opposite aspect.
Alcaraz, 21, has been on hearth during the last two months after successful the French Open and Wimbledon to enhance to 4 Slam titles. Now, Alcaraz’s subsequent objective is to do nicely in his Olympic debut, the place he’s scheduled to play within the singles occasion and likewise the doubles occasion with Nadal.
“Not a lot. He is additionally doing his factor, we’re doing ours. We speak little or no, however after we’re on the Video games, we’ll speak about that doubles and, above all, how we will do it,” Alcaraz instructed ABC Sports activities.
Alcaraz: I am the rookie, I will hearken to Nadal
For 38-year-old Nadal, this shall be his fourth and ultimate Olympic look. Up to now, Nadal achieved nice success on the Olympic stage, successful a singles gold medal on the 2008 Beijing Olympics earlier than additionally claiming a gold medal within the doubles competitors with Marc Lopez on the 2016 Rio Olympics.
And though Nadal hasn’t gained any titles for the reason that 2022 French Open – primarily resulting from main damage points – he nonetheless has a really wealthy Olympic resume and Alcaraz has nothing however an ideal stage of respect and appreciation for that.
“I am not nervous proper now. When the time comes, I shall be. And sure, clearly, he is already skilled this, he already is aware of what it is wish to play within the Olympics, to win a gold in each singles and doubles. I am new, I am the rookie right here, so I’ve to maintain my mouth shut and simply hearken to him,” Alcaraz famous.
Final week, Alcaraz took a while to relaxation after successful Wimbledon. On the opposite aspect, Nadal completed as runner-up in Bastad whereas he additionally reached the Bastad doubles semifinal with Casper Ruud earlier than they gave a walkover to Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos as a result of the Spaniard needed to recuperate for the singles ultimate.