"All things being well, we will play": Rafael Nadal says plan is still there for Carlos Alcaraz Olympic Games dream team

Rafael Nadal says the plan is still very much there to play doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympic Games in a mooted doubles dream team on the courts of Roland Garros which the former is best known for. Always has it been heavily discussed with Nadal set to likely retire at the end of 2024 and this year being his swansong, it is seen as a tick on his ultimate farewell.

Alcaraz said earlier this week though that they hadn't spoke about it. "We have not talked about it. I have met him these days, in the last tournaments, and the truth is that I have not dared to tell him. I don't know, it's something that would make me very excited, it would be a dream and that's why it forces me. Having to tell him imposes on me."

Nadal was asked as a result but said that he doesn't need to ask him anything and that he knows the score and what is wanted. “No, he doesn’t have to ask me anything. I think all things being well, we will play. It’s also hugely exciting for me. If I am not mistaken, I have heard it is from him too. So it would be amazing to play the odd tournament before the Olympics to prepare ourselves to get some rapport on the court," the Mallorcan said on the official podcast of the Madrid Open.

"I think if we are both fit enough, then why not. We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things. It would be good for both of us. I think it would also be good for the Spanish team. So we will see how things progress," he added.