World number two Carlos Alcaraz said he looks forward to learning from 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal when they team up in doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, 21, returns to Roland Garros for singles and doubles at the Games after being crowned French Open champion there earlier this month.
Nadal won Olympic gold in singles in 2008 and gold in doubles in 2016. The 38-year-old will play at the Games for the third time.
“I didn’t expect to play doubles with Rafa at the Olympics,” Alcaraz told reporters on Monday. “It is a unique moment for me, but of course I am very happy with it. Let’s see how it turns out, but it’s going to be a great time.
“Honestly, I feel like he’s going to teach me how to deal with everything. I’m the young guy who has to grow up as a player, but also as a person.”
“Of course it will be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him.”
Nadal will skip Wimbledon in July to prepare for the Olympics, while Alcaraz returns to action later on Tuesday at the Queen’s Club Championships in London before starting his title defense at Wimbledon next month.
The Olympic tennis tournament runs from July 27 to August 4.
