Alcaraz: "Playing with Rafa is a dream, but that doesn't guarantee success"

Mónica Barberán Munera | 24 Jul 2024 | 10.44

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The Spanish tennis team participating this year in the Olympic Games in Paris is generating great excitement, as among them, Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz aim for the top. The Balearic and Murcian players led the press conference organized by the Spanish Olympic Committee this morning, where the captains, David Ferrer and Anabel Medina, as well as the rest of the team consisting of Pablo Carreño, Sara Sorribes , and Cristina Bucsa, also participated. However, all attention was on Nadal and Alcaraz, who will also play together in doubles, making history for our country. Thus, these are the first words from both since landing in the Olympic Village, as reported by AS newspaper.

RAFA NADAL

"The Olympic Games are the most important event. Things change a lot, and I don't know what it will be like, but we will try to leave a positive memory. We will make every effort to leave feeling satisfied, having tried to go as far as possible. We haven't been able to prepare as much as other pairs, but we trust in Carlos' great form. I hope that this past week, where I have spent a lot of time on the court, will help me physically to raise my level for this to work, and we will see how we progress. We will try to train as much as possible to arrive with clear ideas.

It is a huge thrill to be at the Olympics, although I have been to a few already. Participating in the greatest sporting event is an honor. What will the pair with Alcaraz be called? It will depend on the outcome... We haven't been able to prepare together, but we trust in Carlos' great form, and I hope to be at a high level, the one I need for this to work, both individually and collectively. I understand the excitement and the thrill of seeing us together, but that doesn't guarantee success. Carlos hasn't played many doubles, and I haven't played many doubles or many singles. It is a different competition. Playing on clay could help us because playing well from the baseline individually gives you advantages in points. We will start with energy, and we will see what happens.

I missed out on London and Tokyo, and it hurt more than missing some Grand Slams. Beijing 2008 is one of the best memories I have in my career. I always represent Spain, but at the Games, you feel part of a great team. You feel the support and feel very loved. Returning to the Village with a medal makes you feel incredibly good. And yes, these will be my last Games, that's why I highly value being in Paris. I'm happy about it, and to be here, I have had to go through many difficult moments. I see it as a reward, which rejuvenates you. It may turn out better or worse, but the excitement no one can take away from me. I have the attitude, and I will work every day. Playing with one of the best in the world, and if injuries respect him, he will be one of the best in history, is an honor."

CARLOS ALCARAZ

"There is no better way to debut at the Olympics than in doubles with Rafa. We will give our best, and hopefully, we can provide an enjoyable game. I approach the Games with great enthusiasm, and if I get to play doubles with Rafa, even better. I look forward to competing and sharing the court with him. I don't know what name to give it, but we will give our best and put all our enthusiasm to enjoy and make people at home and those coming to Paris enjoy. I have little experience in doubles, and although I like it, due to individual commitments, I have never been able to play many tournaments. Returning to Roland Garros is an additional motivation and somewhat eases the challenge of adapting well.

Playing with Rafa is a dream, but that doesn't mean guaranteed success. Medals aren't won by name. It will be a great experience, and we must adapt gradually. Hopefully, we can play many matches together here. I play for an entire country, and although it's the same facilities as Roland Garros, everything is different. From Rafa, I keep that competitive spirit, that fight, never giving up or letting go of any point. It's admirable, and I also try to convey that competitiveness in my personal life, always trying to give your best version with the humility he has and with all that he has achieved."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz: "Jugar con Rafa es un sueño, pero eso no significa un éxito seguro"