Tennis titans Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are staying inside the Olympic village, in spite of their superstar status.
The Spanish duo booked their place in the men’s doubles quarter-finals on Tuesday evening after triumphing over the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof. This means they’re set for a prolonged stint among the throngs of their fellow Olympians.
Most high-profile athletes opt to stay in hotels during the Games to avoid the crowds and attention, but Nadal, 38, and Alcaraz, 21, are choosing to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of the village. That said, Alcaraz has asked for breakfast to be served in his room, according to Spanish outlet 20 Minutos.
It comes after Novak Djokovic, who knocked Nadal out of the singles event on Monday, decided to shun the communal living space to find his own accommodation. Post-match, Nadal reflected on the choice, saying: “I think to live the full experience you need to be in the village, that’s true.
“Of course for us it’s a little bit [less] comfortable and we are used to staying in hotels or houses with the things probably more comfortable than how the things are in the village but, I mean, when you are in the Olympics I think playing in an Olympic Games without being in the village is like playing another event,” he added.
“So it’s only once every four years and for me, personally, don’t make sense to stay in a hotel. We stay in a hotel every single week.”
Alcaraz agreed, insisting: “I like being surrounded by people, feeling the passion and the energy. Staying in a hotel would have been quieter, but I will never forget the affection of the athletes, the hugs and the selfies.”
Spanish gymnast Ana Perez has taken to TikTok to give fans an inside look at life in the village since her arrival in Paris last week, with videos, photos and livestreams that really bring the atmosphere home. Amid speculation online about whether Nadal and Alcaraz were really living like all the other athletes, one user expressed their scepticism, telling Perez that they “doubted” it.
Spanish gymnast Ana Perez says Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are mingling with everyone in the village (
Image:
Europa Press via Getty Images)
Follow all the action on day 4 of the Paris Olympics with Mirror Sport’s live blog
But Perez claimed they were, adding that Nadal and Alcaraz were embracing the Olympic spirit by meeting as many fellow competitors as possible. Sharing her a photo of her and Nadal together, Perez told followers: “This was the other day in the Villa’s dining room. And we have already met several times in the elevator.”
While Nadal is out of the singles competitions, Alcaraz is charging through, having reached the third round after defeating Hady Habib and Tallon Griekspoor – his doubles opponent on Tuesday. Up next is a clash with Roman Safiullin, and if he triumphs there, he’ll progress to the quarter-finals to take on the winner of Corentin Moutet and Tommy Paul.
If Alcaraz clinches the gold, he’ll be following in the footsteps of doubles partner Nadal, who won gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. However, a win in the doubles would mark career first for both men.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.