Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal took to the courts in Madrid this week, where they scored convincing wins in their respective matches. The two have been seen greeting each other briefly on the practice courts and Alcaraz was asked in a press conference if he would be playing doubles with Nadal at the Paris Olympics later this year.
Alcaraz has been quoted saying that it is a dream of his to play doubles with Nadal at the Olympics, representing Spain. This statement prompted the question of whether he would be making his dream a reality. The youngster however said that he was too scared to ask Nadal about the prospect of them playing together.
When Nadal was told about this during a podcast, he provided an exciting response for the fans, saying that Alcaraz need not have to ask him to pair up, for him to do so. The great veteran of the sport stated that it is very exciting for him too, playing on the same side of the net as Carlos Alcaraz. He also mentioned in the podcast that he looks forward to pairing up with the 20-year-old and playing at least one tournament before the Olympics to get prepared.
He doesn't have to ask me anything. It's also hugely exciting for me. If I'm not mistaken, it is for him, too. It would be amazing to play a tournament together before the Olympics. To prepare ourselves and get some rapport on court. I think if we're both fit enough, why not? Rafael Nadal on Mutua Madrid Open Podcast
His response has triggered an overwhelmingly positive response and has given the fans something very exciting to look forward to as they remain unsure of just how much more of Rafa they will get to see.
Rafael Nadal unlikely to receive a seeding at the French Open
Rafael Nadal has reigned over the most iconic clay courts at Roland Garros for almost two decades now, with his record of fourteen titles at the venue being one of the greatest achievements in individual sport.
Over his career which has spanned over twenty years, Nadal has lost just three matches in the French Open, with a staggering win rate of 97.4%. Despite these feats, the tournament director, Amelie Mauresmo, recently said that Nadal would not be getting any preferential treatment.
Due to a prolonged absence from the tour, the Spaniard has dropped significantly in rankings but has secured a spot in the main draw via the protected rankings provision. This allows players who were out of action, owing to injuries, for an extended period to use their ranking from the time before their injuries, to get into tournaments. However, only the current rankings of the players are taken into account while determining the seedings. Mauresmo says no exception may be made to award Nadal a seeding at this year, making it the first French Open ever in which the King of Clay will not be seeded.
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