What could be more satisfying for a young tennis player than being guided by one of the idols they’ve looked up to while growing up? For rising star Carlos Alcaraz, nothing comes close. As the young Spaniard gears up for one of the grandest stages in sports, fresh off the high of clinching two back-to-back Grand Slams, he finds himself under the wing of none other than the legendary Rafael Nadal.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have reached the courts of Roland Garros to compete at the Summer Olympics along with the Spanish team. However, Alcaraz’s long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero is not accompanying him for the mega endeavor. He will only be joining his mentee if he advances to some major stage at the tournament. Amid his absence, Rafael Nadal was spotted hitting the courts with his compatriot as the latter trained for his matches. 

This presence of Nadal has exhilarated fans and experts alike since Alcaraz can benefit immensely from Nadal’s expertise on clay. Remember, most of Rafa’s success has come from the same clay courts of Roland Garros, where he has clinched 14 Grand Slam titles in his career. Both Alcaraz and Nadal are staying at the Olympic Village which is further expected to give a boost to their partnership.

For the unversed, Rafa and Alcaraz are all set to pair up for the doubles category at the Olympics to form arguably one of the best teams in tennis history. Besides Nadal, Alcaraz will also be assisted by his agent Albert Molina who will travel with the star player in Ferrero’s absence. The 21-year-old is also expected to be guided by David Ferrer, the captain of the Spanish National Team, Samuel López, the coach of Pablo Carreno, and a coach at the Ferrero Tennis Academy. But receiving training from Nadal is definitely a great deal for the 4-time Grand Slam champion.

Despite showcasing incredible talent on the tennis courts, Alcaraz has demonstrated huge respect for Nadal. Speaking about his partnership with him, the youngster said earlier that he would follow everything that Rafa says. “I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to keep my mouth shut and just listen to him,” Alcaraz said about the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. The 21-year-old, meanwhile, is clear of his aspirations at the Olympics.

“I am going to…,” Carlos Alcaraz expresses true feelings ahead of the Paris Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz is winning big. Appearing in four Grand Slam finals and winning all of them is not something easy but Alcaraz has been proving why he is one of the best. And his goal for the Paris Olympics is equally clear.

Speaking to ABC Sports, the Spaniard shared, “I am going to go for the title, I am going to go just thinking that I will able to win it, that’s my goal to bring a medal to my country, hopefully, the gold medal.” Continuing further, he also expressed his desire for his “dream” run with Nadal. “And obviously, the doubles with Rafa is going to be a really dream moment for me. Obviously, we will try to bring home the gold medal again.”

As the tournament inches closer, it will be fascinating to see if Nadal’s guidance can help the youngster and the duo win another medal for their country.