At the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, Spaniards Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will be paired as doubles partners. The French Open’s home court, Roland Garros, will host the clay-court tennis match.
Recently, youngster Alcaraz won at Roland Garros to earn his third Grand Slam victory. He will now be competing in his first Olympic Games. Moreover, Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. He has won 22 majors, including a record 14 titles at Roland Garros.
Spain’s national team coach, David Ferrer, admitted: “One pair, which I think everyone knows and was hoping for, is Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal…Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris.”
After suffering several injuries this year, Rafael Nadal’s participation in the Games seemed in doubt; nonetheless, he made a comeback in April for the clay court season. Given that the veteran athlete is thinking about retiring this season, the Paris Games will probably be the last in his entire tennis career.
Dan Evans dreams of partnering with Andy Murray
Being able to play with Andy Murray in the men’s doubles in Paris will be a dream come true for British athlete Dan Evans.
Evans remarked: “Playing with him anytime is special… He’s a legend of the sport – a legend of British sport.”
“If I did get the chance that would be something to tell the grandkids about and hopefully get a medal, that is the plan,” he added.
Both athletes were defeated in the opening round of the French Open in May despite receiving a wild card to compete in doubles.
Murray is a three-time Olympic winner who won gold in the 2016 singles competition and silver in the mixed doubles competition in 2012. Evans is aiming to play at his first Olympics.
Source: BBC