Carlos Alcaraz hopes that he will get his chance to team up with Rafael Nadal at the Olympic Games.
With Spain allowed to enter four qualified players at the games it appears likely that Alcaraz will get his wish.
While Nadal isn’t currently qualified, if he is passed fit he will almost certainly be granted a wildcard entry into Olympic events.
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Three Spanish players are currently ranked in the top 56 players in the world, and would be eligible to play in the Olympics if they were starting next week. Alcaraz leads that trio as the current world No 2 followed by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (World No 33) and Pedro Martinez (World No 45).
If that status quo is maintained it will make things easier on Spain as they won’t have to cut a player from their submissions in order to make way for Nadal.
Alcaraz is positively giddy at the prospect of getting to team up with his idol for the Olympic games, seeing it as a great opportunity to learn from the best.
He also feels that doubles tennis can be something that is useful to a singles star like himself and admitted that he has a lot to learn about the game still.
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“I haven’t been able to play as much doubles as I would have liked,” Alcaraz told Punto De Break.
“It’s something I like, playing with volleys, with a partner who is also your friend. It’s something that makes me excited, even more so with Rafa. I am very happy to be able to play with my idol, it is a great opportunity for me to enjoy that moment. I would never have expected to be able to play with Rafa in the Games.”
Alcaraz hopes to sit under the learning tree of Nadal and feels that the record-breaking icon will have insights into the sport that he will not be able to gather from anyone else.
“I think he’s going to teach me how to deal with everything,” Alcaraz added.
“I am the young boy who needs to grow as a player and as a person. Having him by my side playing doubles, training… These are my first Games and many new things. It would be a dream for me to get a medal with him.”#
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ‘are of the same calibre’ as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Alcaraz returns to action on the ATP Tour this week after a short break following his French Open title win.
He stressed the importance of taking time away from the game to keep yourself fresh.
“I had a few days of vacation with a group of friends. I had a good time celebrating Roland Garros, I need these things too.
“It is clear that each player is different, but for me, to have my best level I need to separate my personal life from tennis.
“Having my days off, being able to rest my mind, being with family and friends, leaving the racket aside.
“It’s a time that suits me very well.
“The thing is that tennis players have little time.
“We have already finished the three or four days and we have to be prepared somewhere else.
“We have to make the most of the time we have.”