Carlos Alcaraz has always idolized Rafael Nadal for his great achievements in tennis. As the 20-year-old reiterates his commitment to play at the Paris Olympics in the summer, he feels shy about asking Nadal for a doubles partnership.
The World No. 3 has been in incredible form lately, despite beginning the season poorly. He crashed out of the Australian Open quarterfinals and the Argentina Open semifinals.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Credits: ET Edge Insights/SI)
However, he regained his shape and confidence in Indian Wells, becoming the first player to beat Jannik Sinner this year. He skipped the Monte Carlo Masters due to injury.
Besides that, the two-time Grand Slam winner earlier this year revealed that part of his aim this year was to make his Olympics debut in Paris. Nadal also revealed last year that his main focus is playing at international sports events.
However, in a recent interview with Marca, Alcaraz was asked whether he would like to pair with Nadal. He admitted that he feels intimidated to ask the Spanish legend for such an offer.
I have met him these days, in the last tournaments, and the truth is that I have not dared to tell him. I don't know, it's something that would make me very excited, it would be a dream and that's why it forces me. Having to tell him imposes on me. I know that he is excited to play with me. I have already said a thousand times that it would be a great thing to play doubles with him in my first Olympics.Carlos Alcaraz said
Alcaraz and Nadal pairing at the Olympics will be the spotlight of tennis. The coming together of both will also paint a good image for Spanish tennis, as the duo bears symbols of the new and old generations of tennis. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has two Olympic golds in his trophy cabinet.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals he was frustrated after withdrawing from Monte Carlo due to injury
Carlos Alcaraz recently revealed that he was frustrated after getting injured a few days before the Monte Carlo Masters began. The Spanish star pulled out of the tournament after suffering a right arm injury during training.
The 20-year-old told Marca that he wanted to compete at the Monaco tournament, but the injury took that away from him as he was left frustrated and angry.
Frustration, frustration, because it was a tournament that we decided to go and play, a very nice tournament that I had only played once and I was excited to compete. When you get injured, positive thoughts never come. It was a frustrating and angry moment.Carlos Alcaraz said
He will be competing in his first clay tournament this season at the Madrid Open after missing the Monte Carlo and Barcelona Open. He will begin his title defense against Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech in the second round after a first-round bye.
