Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up to play doubles for Spain at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the Spanish tennis federation announced Wednesday.
The news follows 21-year-old Alcaraz’s first French Open victory, securing his third Grand Slam title.
The Olympic tennis matches will be held on the same courts as the French Open, where Nadal has claimed a record 14 titles.
Alcaraz, making his Olympic debut, is often regarded as Nadal’s successor in Spanish tennis. He has repeatedly mentioned Nadal as his childhood idol.
“Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris,” Spain captain David Ferrer announced.
Alcaraz has prioritized winning an Olympic medal for Spain. After his Roland Garros victory, he expressed a preference for an Olympic gold medal over defending his Wimbledon title this year.
“The Olympic Games are every four years and it’s a special tournament where you’re not only playing for yourself, but for a country, representing every Spaniard,” the No. 2-ranked Alcaraz said. “I think this year I’d choose Olympic gold.”
Nadal, 38, will also compete in singles. He already has Olympic gold medals in singles (2008) and doubles (2016 with Marc Lopez), in addition to his 22 Grand Slam titles.
Nadal, who was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round at Roland Garros this year, has indicated this may be his final year on tour following a series of injuries.
Other members of Spain’s men’s Olympic team include Pablo Carreno Busta, Alejandro Davidovich, and Marcel Granollers.
For the women’s team, captain Anabel Medina selected No. 55 Sara Sorribes Tormo and No. 67 Cristina Bucsa, the top-ranked Spanish players, with Paula Badosa opting out as she plans to participate in only two more events using her protected ranking.
