“People want us to win gold, that’s normal”- Carlos Alcaraz on expectations after Rafael Nadal partnership at Paris Olympics

Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has opened up on the expectations of playing alongside his idol Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles event at the ongoing Paris Olympics. While Nadal has an immaculate record on clay at Roland Garros, 112-5, Alcaraz recently won the French Open.

The Spanish duo have also made it to the quarterfinals with a a thrilling 6-4, 6-7(2), 10-2 win against Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof on Tuesday at the Games.

Alcaraz and Nadal won the opening set but the Dutch duo bounced back in the second set and won the tiebreaker. However, Nadal and Alcaraz were able to seal the deal in the third set tiebreaker after two hours and 24 minutes.

“I think we played at a very high level, much better than the first day in terms of how we positioned ourselves at the net. It was normal to start a little hesitant and as we give ourselves opportunities to continue advancing, we will go further,” Alcaraz said on Eurosport. (translated from Spanish)

“People obviously want us to win gold in doubles, but that’s normal. We try not to think too much about it, about the pressure or that we have the obligation to do it… Obviously, you don’t win doubles just by being a name, so anything can happen,” he added.

Nadal, on the other hand, said his partnership with the youngster is going on the right track.

“We have been getting along well, today more than the other day. Neither of us play too many doubles, so as the days go by we are improving, although the risk is always there when you play against established doubles players,” Rafael Nadal told Eurosport (translated from Spanish).

Alcaraz and Nadal will take on the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram on Wednesday.