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Rafael Nadal reached his first final since 2022 and is aiming to step up preparations to get ready for Olympic doubles with Carlos Alcaraz.
Rafael Nadal is “convinced” Carlos Alcaraz will be at a “great level” for the Olympics ahead of their anticipated doubles team-up.
The pair will be representing Spain at the upcoming Games in Paris, with both also participating in the singles event.
He has previously won two Olympic gold medals though, his first in the singles at the 2008 Games in Beijing, and the second at Rio 2016 in the doubles.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz has won back-to-back grand slams this year, winning at Roland Garros in June before beating Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier this month.
Y sí, @carlosalcaraz y @RafaelNadal jugarán juntos en París 😉❤️🔥🇪🇸#MAPFREtenis pic.twitter.com/pIPMjLlQR9
— Tenis España (@RFETenis) June 12, 2024
The 21-year-old is competing at the Olympics for the first time in his career ahead of the hard-court swing of the season.
Nadal admitted he was not happy with his performance level in the final in Bastad and is determined to improve to match Alcaraz’s level.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain,” Nadal said.
“This is the most important event in sport. I hope I can find the energy I need and do some good training.
“If I manage to play good tennis, I will also do so in doubles, but I must analyse well what happened this week and work hard.
“I am convinced that Carlos will be at a great level because he is coming in with confidence. We will train together this week.”