"If my age will be 10 years less, we're going to create beautiful relationship" - Rafael Nadal hails Carlos Alcaraz after Paris Olympics doubles exit
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced defeat in the men's doubles quarterfinal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Spanish duo have a 17-year age gap between them. Nadal lamented the age gap following their loss and imagined what could have been if he was 10 years younger.
38-year-old Nadal and 21-year-old Alcaraz teamed up to represent Spain in the men's doubles event. The fan-favorite pair won their first two matches against Argentina and the Netherlands and faced the USA in the quarterfinal.
USA's Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek are doubles specialists and posed a great threat to Spain. Eventually, the USA won the match in straight sets and ended Nadal and Alcaraz's doubles campaign.
Following their exit, the 22-time Grand Slam winner said he will 'keep having a very positive relationship with Carlos'. However, Nadal lamented the 17-year gap between them.
"Just simply we are in a completely different lifetime momentum. That's the truth," Nadal said in a post-match interview.
He further mentioned the 'beautiful relationship' they could have built on tour if Nadal was 10 years younger.
"If my age will be 10 years less, we're going to create a beautiful relationship on tour and we're going to share a lot of beautiful moments together but that's not going to happen," he added.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal thanked each other with heartwarming messages following Paris Olympics exit
Carlos Alcaraz posted an image with Rafael Nadal on Instagram and thanked the Spanish tennis legend for sharing the court with him. He wrote:
"Thank you very much Rafa for this week and for having shared the track with me playing for [Spain]! Couldn't be today, but I'm taking a lot of things for the future! It was very special! ❤️"
Nadal uploaded the post on his Instagram Story and thanked Alcaraz. He even urged the 21-year-old to 'go for gold' in the singles event. Nadal wrote:
"Thanks to you Carlos Alcaraz. Go for gold! We are with you"
Nadal and Alcaraz also participated in the singles event at the Paris Olympics. The two-time Olympic gold medallist faced defeat against Novak Djokovic in the second round on Monday, July 29.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz continues to remain in contention for a medal. The reigning French Open champion beat the USA's Tommy Paul in straight sets in the quarterfinal on Thursday, August 1. He will face the winner from the quarterfinal between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud in the semifinals.