"I’m very happy to play with my idol,"Alcaraz eyes Olympic glory with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz spoke in the lead-up to the Queen’s Club Championships about doubles with Rafael Nadal at the Olympics and his rest after winning the French Open. The world No. 2, recent Roland Garros champion, took a few days of vacation after securing his third Grand Slam title, but he is now back for the grass swing.

The 21-year-old had a perfect grass campaign last year, with titles at Queen’s and Wimbledon, finishing 12-0 on the surface. So far, he has an impressive 16-2 record on grass (89%) and will be the top favorite at Queen’s as he awaits his debut against Francisco Cerundolo: "Now I know how to play, I understand this game more, I'm more mature on this surface. The first practice, the movement wasn't so good, but the process is slower. I know I’ll be at 100% before last year," Alcaraz commented.

In recent days, it has been confirmed that at the upcoming Olympic Games, one of Spain’s doubles teams will consist of its two biggest stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. A team with a 17-year age difference that excites fans and which Carlitos himself eagerly anticipates.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion commented that it’s a dream to share a doubles court with Nadal, though he admitted he would like to have more experience playing together: “I haven’t been able to play as much doubles as I would have liked. It’s something I enjoy, playing with volleys, with a partner who is also your friend. It’s something that excites me, especially with Rafa,” Alcaraz commented.

“I’m very happy to play with my idol, it’s a great opportunity for me to enjoy that moment. I never would have expected to play with Rafa in the Olympics,” Alcaraz added. “He knows very well what Roland Garros is. I think he will teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow as a player and as a person. Having him by my side playing doubles, training... These are my first Olympics and many new things. It would be a dream for me to win a medal with him.”

Another topic Carlitos discussed was his days of rest after the Roland Garros title. The world No. 2 was seen on social media enjoying time with his friends in Ibiza while celebrating his third Grand Slam title, which he won after defeating Alexander Zverev in five sets: “I had a few days of vacation with a group of friends. I had a great time celebrating Roland Garros, I need these things too. It’s clear that each player is different, but for me, to be at my best, I need to separate my personal life from tennis.”

“Having my days off, being able to rest my mind, being with my family and friends, putting the racket aside. It’s a time that does me a lot of good. The thing is, we tennis players have little time. We finish and in three or four days we already have to be prepared somewhere else. We have to make the most of the time we have.”

“On Sunday I lifted the title in Paris. I had to do things Monday morning and then I went to Ibiza to unwind with friends for three days. After four days, you’re already changing surfaces, tournaments, conditions. I went home to prepare before coming here. Finish a tournament, celebrate, because you have to celebrate, but no more than two days.”