Carlos Alcaraz vows to bring Olympic gold back to Spain at Paris 2024; chuffed to play doubles with Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz is hopeful of winning gold for his country in the forthcoming Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old also expressed excitement ahead of teaming up with Rafael Nadal in the men's doubles tournament of the prestigious event.
Alcaraz has exhibited his dominance in the 2024 season, becoming the youngest player to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same calendar year, thus completing the feat also called the Channel Slam. The Spaniard convincingly defeated Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7) in the Wimbledon final, successfully defending his title on grass.
Currently enjoying the peak of his form, Alcaraz shifts his focus to the Paris Olympics 2024, his first appearance in the marquee event. In a recent interview with the Tennis Channel, the four-time major champion discussed his expectations for the upcoming Olympics.
Alcaraz stated that he was excited about the overall experience and hoped to enjoy the time in Paris with his fellow teammates as much as possible:
"Well I have huge expectation to the Olympics Games, not to the result side but to enjoy the experience , being in the village with all the Spanish athletes its going to be a really beautiful moment for me. I will try to enjoy as much as I can," Alcaraz said [at 5:00].
However, the 21-year-old also has his sights set on clinching a medal for his country. Alcaraz added that he is aiming for gold, especially while teaming up with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
"Obviously coming to the tournament, I am going to go for the title, I am going to go just thinking that I will able to win it, that's my goal to bring a medal to my country, hopefully the gold medal. And obviously the doubles with Rafa ( Rafael Nadal) is going to be a really dream moment for me. Obviously we will try to bring the gold medal again," he added.
David Ferrer, the captain of the Spain men's tennis team, announced last month that Alcaraz and Nadal will team up in the doubles competition at the Olympics.
"I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything" - Carlos Alcaraz on teaming up with Rafael Nadal ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics
While addressing the media last month, Carlos Alcaraz mentioned that he hadn't expected to play doubles with Rafael Nadal but was happy about it. The four-time Major champion expressed hope that Nadal would teach him how to navigate the new experience of playing at the Olympics.
"I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa. It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Let’s see how it’s going to be but it’s going to be a great time. Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well." Carlos Alcaraz said ( via Reuters).
"Of course it’s going to be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him," he added.
Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal are set to compete in both singles and doubles events at the Games. Nadal chose to skip the grasscourt season to focus on his Olympic preparations. The 37-year-old is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 and 2016) and the Paris Olympics will likely be his last foray at the quadrennial Games.