(AP) — Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will play doubles together for Spain at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the Spanish tennis federation said Wednesday.
The announcement comes three days after the 21-year-old Alcaraz won the French Open for the first time — earning his third Grand Slam trophy. The same courts used for the French Open each year will host Olympic tennis.
Alcaraz, who will play in his first Olympics, is widely seen as the heir to Rafa in Spanish tennis, and has frequently remarked that Rafa was his childhood hero.
“Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris,” said Spain captain David Ferrer while announcing the squad.
The other Spain players in the men’s Olympic team will be Pablo Carreño Busta, Alejandro Davidovich and Marcel Granollers.
What do you think about their decision to play together? We all know Carlitos has said it would be an honor to play with Rafa, but considering he doesn’t have much experience in doubles, wouldn’t it be better for Rafa to play with doubles specialist Marcel Granollers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Rafa and Carlos together is a double for the history, for sure❤️
Rafa y Carlos es una pareja linda
I think the pairing of Rafa and Carlos is the heart option versus the head option of Rafa and Marcel. For the best chance of gold the latter would have been better, but it seems the heart trumps the head. I don’t mind, because I just want to see Rafa on court.
I’m all for Rafa teaming up with Carlitos and I’m happy to hear that Rafa will play a 250.
Does Rafa plan to play singles at the Olympics or just the doubles? Same question as to Carlitos. Please post if you know. Thanks.
Yes David. it’s been announced that Rafa and Carlos will play in both the singles and doubles at the Olympics.
Granollers is the current World #1 with his Argentine partner Zeballos. It would have been great to have him pair up with Rafa but people want to see Nadalcaraz. They are the dream team of this Olympics. It would be great if they’d enter the clay tourney in Hamburg in mid July to get at least one real match in as a team to hone their rhythm. Best of luck to all of them. Vamos España!
Rafa just announced that he will play the 250 tourney in Bastad starting July 15. He has played there before and has good memories of it.
Good luck to Rafa and Carlos🍀🍀 Vamos💪💪
Paris Olympics 2024? No doubt-Rafa and Carlitos will be up for it❤️🔥
Well would love to see Marcel and Rafa since Rafa also is good at doubles…I just want him to have a great experience so he doesn’t quit yet. IT’S NOT TIME YET..
Agree with Dr Marcy.
I think rafa would be better with a double player personally
Rafa and Carlitos, would benefit from participating in one or more of the remaining clay court tournaments, participating as doubles. Additionally, it would be great if he would invite Carlitos, Marcel, Foki and Pablo to his academy for all of them to practice. Of course, Juan Carlos Ferraro too. They could mastermind the greatest clay clinic having all those greats including Moya, Lopez, Uncle Toni to name a few for ” Project Gold 2024″ for Spain. Now I will address the question posed to all of us fans… the main question is this purely about success or about the legacy of Nadal and the preamble of Carlitos? In my opinion, if the “Team Espana”, approaches this as a team as true teammates, the question is moot. Vamos Espana!
Would absolutely agree..Vamos Espana.. Would still want Rafa to play longer and so doubles with Marcel..ahhhhh..
This sounds a great combination. My two hero’s together-a blockbuster team! Vamos!