Carlos Alcaraz’s brother Jaime sat next to Rafael Nadal’s son during the Spanish duo’s first-round doubles clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The unseeded team of Nadal and Alcaraz defeated Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6 (4), 6-4, in the first round.
Rafael Nadal’s son, Rafa Jr., is often seen cheering for his father from the stands. The one-year-old boy was also present live during Nadal’s first-round doubles match, displaying adorable expressions from the player box. Interestingly, Carlos Alcaraz’s brother Jaime was also there, rooting for the Spanish duo.
While Rafa Jr. sat on his grandmother Ana Maria’s lap, Jaime was spotted next to his father, right beside the one-year-old. Additionally, Team Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, and former French Open champion Carlos Moya were also present in the box. Journalist Jose Morgado shared the picture on X, writing:
“Decent box. Alcaraz’s dad and younger brother. Nadal’s mom, wife and son. Ferrer. Moya.”
The official X handle of ITF Tennis also shared the picture.
Nadal and Alcaraz will face the winner of the match between the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof and Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
“Playing with Rafael Nadal is a dream, but that doesn’t mean guaranteed success”: Carlos Alcaraz
The Spanish tennis team held a pre-event press conference on Wednesday, July 24. There, Carlos Alcaraz expressed excitement about partnering with Rafael Nadal. However, the four-time Major champion acknowledged that while playing with Nadal is a dream, it doesn’t guarantee victory.
“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,” Alcaraz said ( Via Punto de Break).
Alcaraz added that he learned the quality of being competitive from the 38-year-old.
“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,” he added.
Nadal and Alcaraz are also part of the singles draw at the Paris Olympics. Nadal will face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the first round and could face Novak Djokovic next if he gets past the Hungarian. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old faces Lebanon’s Hady Habib in the first round.