Rafael Nadal 'not finding Olympic Village easy' as Carlos Alcaraz relationship explained
Spanish duo Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are both competing in Paris at the 2024 Olympic Games, and the tennis stars have been getting plenty of attention.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are both finding it difficult in the Olympic village - because athletes are constantly asking them for photos. The two Spaniards will be forming a mouth-watering partnership for the doubles in the French capital.
Nadal and Alcaraz will also be competing in the singles when the tennis gets up and running on July 27. Nadal has won two Olympic gold medals while Alcaraz will be making his games debut, fresh off winning the French Open and Wimbledon this summer.
However, as two of the biggest athletes to be competing in the Games, the pair have constantly found themselves being stopped for photographs by other competitors in the village. This has made for a tricky atmosphere for the two, who will be among the favourites to win in France.
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In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, David Ferrer, the captain of the Spanish Olympic tennis team, said: "It's not easy for them on a day-to-day basis here. Many athletes stop them and I was impressed by the number of photos they ask for. Also, the good manners with which they face these moments."
When asked specifically about Nadal, Ferrer added: "I saw Rafa well, happy. It's been a while since I saw him in Roland Garros and we had time in the afternoon to talk about a bit of everything, and today he's training very well.
"That's what's important for Rafa, to be well and happy, and the rest will flow. It’s true that Rafa didn’t win the tournament, but he reached the final. I see him excited here, so we are all excited."
While getting across the village may be proving to be an arduous ordeal, Ferrer said Nadal and Alcaraz are forming a promising chemistry.
The former World No.3 said: "They are different in training. When you are young, you are more impulsive. Rafa is more tactical.
"I like to see them together. Carlos asks Rafa a lot about his experiences and these are things that can only be talked about from champion to champion. More than listening to them, I like observing them."
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is particularly excited to be playing with Nadal. The current World No.3 said: “There’s no better way to make your Games’ debut than by forming a doubles partnership with Rafa.
“We’ll do our best, with the greatest desire, with a lot of enthusiasm while making people enjoy it.”
