Alcaraz wants to play with Nadal

"It would be a dream if I could play with my idol," Alcaraz said of the opportunity to pair Nadal at next year's Olympics. The tennis event at the 2024 Olympic Games will take place at Roland Garros, Paris - the place associated with Nadal's best memories.

Alcaraz said he was hoping for an early recovery from his injury, returning to play in early 2024. The 20-year-old tennis player is considered the successor to Nadal in the Spanish tennis team. They have faced each other three times but have not paired up.

Nadal sent a message of good luck to Alcaraz before juniors played Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on July 16. The number one tennis player in the world then excellently defeated Djokovic to win the first Grand Slam title on grass. Alcaraz has had two Grand Slams, after winning the US Open last year.

"Nadal's messages are a great encouragement to me," Alcaraz revealed. "I've admired him since I was a kid and it's special to be cared for by him. Nadal is not only a countryman, but also a great icon of tennis."

Nadal is still recovering from a hip injury from the beginning of the year and will be out for the rest of the season. He once announced his plan to retire in 2024, after suffering a series of persistent injuries recently. The Olympics in Paris could be the last big event Nadal plays with Spain. "King of clay" won the 2008 Olympic men's singles gold medal after defeating Djokovic in the semi-finals and Fernando Gonzalez in the final.

According to coach Toni Nadal, his grandson needs another month to practice with the ball again. "It's too early to talk about Nadal's return next year," he said. "There is no specific plan yet. Nadal is still waiting for his body's reaction and the picture will be clearer after full training."