French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is looking forward to returning to Roland-Garros alongside his “idol” Rafael Nadal at next month’s Olympic Games doubles event in Paris. The 21-year-old Spaniard will be competing in both singles and doubles at the Games, and said winning a gold medal for his country with Nadal is a dream – one that could even inspire a new tattoo.
Shortly after claiming his first French Open title, Carlos Alcaraz set his sights on his return to Roland-Garros 40 days later – this time, alongside his “idol” Rafael Nadal at the Olympic Games.
The 21-year-old Spaniard claimed his third Grand Slam title in as many years last week, beating Alexander Zverev in five sets 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 to be crowned French Open champion.
The victory, which kept him at a perfect 3-0 in major finals after his US Open win in 2022 and Wimbledon triumph last year, also saw him become the youngest man to win a grand slam across three surfaces.
After celebrating his win, Alcaraz said he looks forward to his return to Paris for the Olympics in late July, as he competes in a dream partnership alongside Nadal in the doubles.
“When I return to this stadium at the end of July, I will probably have some cool flashbacks that will come to mind,” he told L’Équipe.
“It will be a very special tournament, my first Olympics just after winning my first Roland. Fighting for a gold medal for my country, playing doubles with my idol, Rafael Nadal, are things that I will only believe after experiencing them.”
Just how Alcaraz and Nadal will work together on the court remains to be seen, with the duo having never competed alongside each other. Alcaraz himself has very little experience playing doubles in his young career.
Speaking at the Madrid Open in April, Nadal also expressed his excitement about working with Alcaraz at the Olympics.
“It’s also hugely exciting for me,” Nadal said. “If I’m not mistaken, I’ve heard it is for him too.”
Nadal said they have the chance to form a “great team”, but hoped the duo would have a chance to work together ahead of Paris.
“I think if we’re both fit enough, why not? We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things.
“It’d be good for both of us. I think it’d also be good for the Spanish team, so we’ll see how things progress. I hope to be good enough to be a good partner for him, I’m sure he will be for me. We’ll see where that takes us. I also hope to be able to work together a bit first.”
If all goes well for the freshly-minted team, Alcaraz may soon find himself with some new body ink, revealing that his tradition of getting a souvenir tattoo for every first-time grand slam win could continue if he claims an Olympic gold medal.
“If I ever bring back gold from Paris, in singles or doubles, it will also deserve its little tattoo,” he said.
