Rafa Nadal is coming to an end of a glorious career in professional tennis, and there is a degree of irony at the fact as one Spanish legend is due to depart the sport, there is already a ready-made replacement.
Wimbledon champion, Carlos Alcaraz, is arguably the best player in the world at this moment, and he is just 20 years of age.
He is the next generational talent in the sport and will take some unseating in the years to come. However, before Nadal retires, he would actually quite like to play alongside the young phenomenon at the Olympic Games in 2024.
“I hope so, I don’t know. If I’m healthy and he wants to, I’d be delighted,” Nadal replied to MARCA when asked if he would play alongside Alcaraz in the Olympic Doubles in Paris.
What does Nadal make of Alcaraz’s ability?
Whilst it’s impossible not to be impressed by the brilliance that the 20-year-old regularly displays on court, it would be easy for Nadal to take the position of a grizzled veteran and criticize Alcaraz.
However, he is supportive of the young Spaniard, making clear that he is superior to his colleagues.
“I think Carlos is superior to the others and the reality is that Novak has had enormous success and we must congratulate him for everything,” he added.
“I think there are other players with a high level like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune who started well and now is going through a bad period.
“In the end, winning is always difficult and you have to appreciate what they all do.”
When will Rafa Nadal be back on court?
Whilst it is perfectly fine to dream about a potential appearance at the Paris Olympics, Nadal is still battling various fitness issues and isn’t yet clear on just when he will be able to return.
Previous estimates that he could participate in the Australian Open seemed optimistic and Nadal has looked to temper expectations.
“The idea of the Australian Open is very complicated, it’s difficult to comment on it today,” he explained.
“In fact, I don’t know [when I will return], I’m just trying to recover.
“My way of thinking at the moment is that I don’t need a date. I just need to work every day with the hope and right mentality to try to recover.”