Rafael Nadal wasn’t happy with how he played and looked during his Bastad final loss but noted afterward that he was still very much looking forward to the Paris Olympics and teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz.
After signing up for Bastad to use it as his final preparation for the upcoming Olympics, Nadal made his first final in over two years there but failed to win the title after Nuno Borges handed him a 6-3 6-2 defeat.
Following the loss, Nadal said his “level and energy were far from desired.” However, it didn’t change the fact that it was still more than a solid preparation for the Paris Olympics.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain. This is the most important event in sport, I hope I can find the energy I need and do good training,” Nadal said after his Bastad final loss.
Nadal on the key to doing well with Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics
In Bastad, Nadal went through a couple of demanding matches en route to making the final – which was a very positive sign for his fitness level. And now heading into the Olympics, the former world No. 1 believes that if he can do well in singles, he will also be able to do well with Alcaraz in doubles.
“I know that if I can play good tennis on an individual level, I’ll do well in doubles too, but I have to analyze what happened this week and work hard. I’m convinced that Carlos Alcaraz will be at a great level because he’s coming in with confidence. We’ll train together this week,” Nadal explained.
When Nadal and Alcaraz take to the court at Roland Garros, they will be making their debut as a pair.
While the two don’t have much experience of playing together, Alcaraz has already downplayed a few times by explaining that they wouldn’t need a lot of time to develop chemistry.
