The wait is almost over but, in the meantime, Rafael Nadal has already given us a taste of his adventure at Paris Olympics. The Spanish champion, after arriving in the French capital, first met his men’s doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz and then attended a training session by his young countryman. Then, Rafa finally went down on his beloved Parisian clay-courts to train in preparation for the Olympic tournament, where he will play both in the men’s singles and in the men’s doubles.
💪🇫🇷🥹🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal having his first practice on Philippe Chatrier, ahead of the Olympic Games pic.twitter.com/cHRBSpphrj
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) July 23, 2024
Cómo deberÃa llamarse esta pareja de dobles? 👀 @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/YqWI7LVfg6
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 23, 2024
The Spanish champion has been busy this last week in Bastad, a preparatory tournament on clay, which gave him good feelings, excluding the parenthesis of the final lost against Nuno Borges. The 22-time Slam champion has already joined his friend Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic village, with whom he will play the tournament in doubles as well as singles. The Spaniard played an excellent tournament, also playing two battles, in particular against Mariano Navone, a match that lasted over four hours. Rafa, who probably arrived exhausted at the final act, did not have the strength necessary to take home the title.
“I want to play well. The Olympic Games are the most important event in the world of sport and it is special to represent Spain, to feel part of a great team. I want to enjoy the competition, I am motivated and I hope to find the right energy to compete at the best level,” said the Spaniard in a press conference after the final in Bastad.
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“Nadal is my idol, a part of me wanted him to win the final. Not just me, I think everyone. Maybe the others more than me, but a little bit of me too. Obviously I grew up watching his matches, he turned pro when I was only four years old. He’s still on Tour and he plays at a great level. I know he’s not at his best right now, but he still shows that he’s a great fighter and I think everyone respects him. He’s a real inspiration, not just for me but for many tennis players. Sharing the court with him was special,” said Borges after the Bastad final, showing the enormous respect for a living legend like Nadal.