"Rafael Nadal is fine" - Carlos Alcaraz puts concerns over Spaniard's injury at Paris Olympics 2024 to bed
Carlos Alcaraz has put to bed the concerns that Rafael Nadal might not be available to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a new injury he suffered during training this week. In addition to singles, Nadal is also partnering Alcaraz in the men's doubles event.
The first concerns about the Mallorcan surfaced on Thursday (July 25), when his coach Carlos Moya admitted that he had to postpone a training session with Alexander Zverev after experiencing discomfort in his right thigh. It was then speculated that Nadal might pull out of singles and play only the doubles instead.
Speaking to CLAY magazine on Friday, however, Alcaraz let Spanish fans breathe out a sigh of relief, stating that Nadal was 'fine' and 'at his best.'
“The guy is fine, he’s at his best. He’s always fine, like always!” Alcaraz said to CLAY.
Spain captain David Ferrer also echoed a similar sentiment, stating to the media at the Olympic Games that the 22-time Grand Slam champion should be able to play his doubles match with Alcaraz on Saturday without any issues.
"I’m sure Rafa will be in tomorrow’s doubles because he trained well today. Let’s see how he feels. The doubles requires less intensity than the singles, in which you have to be very well prepared physically and in full condition," Ferrer said.
"It will be a difficult match" - Rafael Nadal on his and Carlos Alcaraz's doubles opener at the Paris Olympics
In their opener at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will take on Argentina's Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. Speaking at his press conference before that, the 37-year-old admitted that it will be a 'difficult' match and that he and Alcaraz will have to be focussed from very beginning.
Regardless, the southpaw was not lost for hope, believing that more practice will ensure and his young partner find their rhythm.
"We are aware that it will be a difficult match. We have to be focused and get the best out of ourselves and fight with the utmost humility and value each point. If we manage to spend time on the court, everything can become less complicated, but it is a tournament with little margin," Nadal said.
In singles, Nadal is drawn to play Marton Fucsovics in his first round, while Alcaraz takes on Lebanon's Hady Habib in the first round.