Hopes and aces: Carlos Alcaraz eager to learn from 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal at the Olympics

Spain’s young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz hopes to learn a lot by playing alongside the legendary Rafael Nadal in the doubles category at the Summer Olympics. The mega-event will be held from July 26 to August 11, and thousands of athletes from all over the world will participate and showcase their talent.

In the tennis category, one pair that will be the centre of attraction for many fans will feature Nadal and Alcaraz, who will represent Spain.

Nadal is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles. Fourteen of those victories came while playing at the Roland Garros, which is why he is also known as the ‘King of Clay’.

On the other hand, Alcaraz is regarded as one of the most highly rated players currently playing men’s tennis, along with Italy’s Jannik Sinner. The 21-year-old recently lifted the French Open for the first time in his career after beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a five-set thrilling final with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Alcaraz was recently quoted in a report in which he revealed that he was not expecting to play with Nadal in the doubles category at the Olympics. He also stated that he hopes to learn a lot from a player who knows every detail about how to succeed on Clay court.

"I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa," he said. "It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him."