Paris Olympics 2024: 'Think it's a mistake' - Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz downplay medal expectations

Superstar Spanish duo Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have played down medal expectations in the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 edition, which kicks off on Friday (July 26). The two will partner each other in the doubles event, which has become a huge talking point. While there are high expectations, they have reasoned out to not expect much given the two have not played doubles a lot in recent past.

'Carlos hasn't played many doubles,I haven't played many doubles orsingles lately'

Speaking to the reporters, on Wednesday (July 24), the 38-year-old Nadal said, "I understand a little bit the morbid illusion of seeing us play together but let's not think that this translates into success, I think it's a mistake. Carlos hasn't played many doubles and I haven't played many doubles or many singles lately."

"We are going to do our best to try, at least, to leave with the peace of mind of having done everything possible to get where we can get (but) obviously, we have not been able to prepare together for a tournament like this, where there are other doubles teams that have been preparing," he added.

The Spaniard further said, "Things happen much faster, the reflexes have to be ready and the movements are not automatic when one has not played for a long time, there are doubles movements that are completely different from the individual ones."

Meanwhile, Alcaraz -- who is coming off a win in French Open and Wimbledon -- pointed out, "I have not had the opportunity to play many doubles tournaments, but obviously having the illusion of returning to Roland Garros, to these courts that I have always enjoyed playing... makes it easier."

He concluded, "We also have days of training, individually and doubles to adapt as best as possible again, for my part to return to clay and be able to gain confidence to start the tournament in the best possible way."

Nadal's career has gone downhill due to plethora of injury concerns since 2022. Alcaraz, on the other hand, is in prime form. It will be interesting to see how the two gel on court and how far they can go in the doubles event. Spanish fans are certainly hoping for gold from this dream pair in the doubles.

Notably, the Olympic tennis competition will commence on July 27 and will go on till Aug4.