“I understand the curiosity to see us together, but it does not guarantee success.”

The Spanish press is in high anticipation before the press conference in the Olympic Village of the representatives of Spanish tennis at the Paris Games. With the President of the Council of Europe Alejandro Blanco in the center of the table, the two protagonists sat on either side. The doubles pair formed by Rafa Nadal (38) and Carlos Alcaraz (21), renamed by many as “Nadalcaras”, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Paris tournament, and although both will also compete individually, their joint presence is very important. in the spotlight and, of course, questions.

“I am very pleased to be here. We believe that the Barcelona ’92 record of 22 medals will be broken, and tennis will contribute to this,” Blanco begins. before giving the floor to the main characters on the clay court of Roland Garros. “Participating in the Games is a huge illusion, although there have already been several. Participating in the largest sporting event is a great honor… “What will the pair with Alcaraz be called?” It will depend on the result… (laughs). “We haven’t been able to prepare together, but we believe in Carlos’ great moment and I hope that we will be at the high level that I need so that you can act both individually and collectively.” “Nadal says. “There is no better way to debut at the Games than to debut in doubles with Rafa. We will try our best and hopefully we can enjoy a good game,” Alcaraz explains.

“I have little experience in doubles, and although I like it in singles, I have never been able to play many tournaments. Returning to Roland Garros is another motivation that makes the adaptation task a little easier,” says Murcian. “I understand the pain and excitement of seeing ourselves together, but it doesn’t guarantee success. Carlos hasn’t played doubles very often, and I haven’t played doubles or singles. It’s a different competition Everything is faster, the movements are different and they don’t happen naturally because it’s logical. The fact that he is on the ground can help us because a good game from behind on an individual level allows us to gain an advantage in points. We will start with energy and see what happens,” Nadal explains.

“Playing with Rafa is a dream, but it doesn’t mean certain success. You don’t win medals for your name. It will be a great experience and we have to adapt little by little. I hope we can play many games together here,” adds Alcaraz. The third shift, with female aspirations. “The excitement of being part of this team is huge, and I think we will do very well,” explain Christina Buksa and Sara Sorribes. “Tennis has a huge impact and we see it in the village. Hopefully we can help the Spanish medal table reach its goal by setting the bar as high as possible,” says captain Anabel Medina.

“I love that the Olympics are on clay. The atmosphere in the team is very good, they are great people and athletes. Rafa and Carlos are very much expected. It took us 45 minutes to get to dinner when they arrived because of all the photos the athletes took of themselves. They have incredible humility and compassion,” Ferrer admits. Returning to the focus, Nadal explains: “I missed London and Tokyo, and that hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam. Beijing 2008 is one of the best memories of my career. I always represent Spain, but at the Games you feel part of a great team. You notice the support and you feel very loved. Coming back to Villa with a medal is an incredible feeling. And yes, these will be my last Games. That’s why I really appreciate being in Paris.I am happy about it and I have had to go through a lot of hard times to get here. I see it as a reward and it rejuvenates you. It may turn out better or worse, but no one can take away my enthusiasm. I have the attitude and I will work every day. To play with one of the best in the world, and if his injuries allow him to be one of the best in history, it is an honor.”

And Alcaraz concludes: “I play all over the country and although they are the same stadiums as Roland Garros, it is different. From Rafa, I take this approach to competition, to fight, to never give up and never give up a single point. It is admirable and I also try to convey what I see in him in his personal life, always trying to give the best version of myself with the humility that he has and with everything that he has achieved.”

Follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsApp, where you will find everything about sports in one space: daily news, an agenda with the latest news about the most important sports events, the most striking images, the opinion of the best AS firms, reports, videos and a little humor from time to time.