Olympic gold hopeful Carlos Alcaraz has sided with Roger Federer over his doubles partner and compatriot Rafael Nadal when it comes to his stance on the Games and Grand Slams in tennis
Roger Federer backs Carlos Alcaraz’s belief that the Olympics is as important for tennis players as Grand Slam success – a view which Rafael Nadal doesn’t agree with.
Nadal and Alcaraz are set to form a formidable partnership in the men’s tennis doubles at the Paris Olympics. Alcaraz, the 21-year-old sensation who secured victories at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, will join forces with 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal in representing Spain.
The Paris Games could mark one of the last major tournament appearances for the 38-year-old, who has already won a singles gold in 2008 and a doubles gold in 2016. But even before his first taste of Olympics glory in Beijing, Nadal admitted that Grand Slam titles take precedence.
“A little bit less,” Nadal remarked when ranking the importance of the Olympics. “For us, a Grand Slam is different. Grand Slams are special. Olympics are important too but after a grand slam.”
The Paris Games could mark one of the last major tournament appearances for the 38-year-old, who has already won a singles gold in 2008 and a doubles gold in 2016. But even before his first taste of Olympics glory in Beijing, Nadal admitted that Grand Slam titles take precedence.
“A little bit less,” Nadal remarked when ranking the importance of the Olympics. “For us, a Grand Slam is different. Grand Slams are special. Olympics are important too but after a grand slam.”
Alcaraz, who was just five years old when Nadal made that comment, disagrees with his esteemed countryman. With three Grand Slam titles already under his belt, the prodigy from Murcia is keen to add an Olympic gold to his impressive collection.
Asked whether he would prefer to win Wimbledon or the Olympics, Alcaraz responded: “It is difficult to decide, but I would say the Games.
“They are every four years and you represent your country and all Spaniards. When I come back here I’ll have flashbacks. It can be very nice, my first Games 40 days after my first Roland Garros. I would choose an Olympic gold.”
Retired tennis legend Federer, despite his 20 Grand Slam titles, didn’t quite mirror his rival Nadal’s Olympic success. It is therefore unsurprising that his perspective on the Games aligns more closely with that of Alcaraz.
Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are teaming up for the Paris Olympics (
AFP via Getty Images)
Federer told reporters back in July 2008: “If maybe I am a player who doesn’t have any Grand Slams, maybe a Grand Slam would still do more for my own career. But because I have 12 already, for me an Olympic gold ranks as high.
“I was very proud to represent the Swiss in the 2000 Olympics and really just missed a medal. Last time was quite disappointing losing the second round but nevertheless, going there was one of the biggest experiences in life.
“So as long as I can walk and play, I will always come and play in the Olympics. Who knows, maybe I will carry the flag. That would be a great honour as well. It ranks very, very high in my scale, absolutely.