What is the real meaning of Nadalcaraz (better than Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz)
Víctor García
July 29, 2024

In a shy way, in a press conference, Carlos Alcaraz shared a few months ago with the journalists his desire to be Rafa Nadal’s partner in doubles in the Olympic Games in Paris… if it could be. As if the father responded to the son, Rafa responded at the time also to the press that it was almost not necessary to ask. And so was forged one of the most beautiful relationships in the history of Spanish sport, one that transcends any other event of this Paris 2024 in the country of the bull skin.

“Shall we buy Nadalcaraz?”, Carlitos said on social networks shortly before starting his first training session with his idol, Rafa Nadal. He comes from winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but the humility nurtured from his family makes him see himself as a guest artist, a privileged to share table and poster with Rafa. In Spain, this couple personifies the pride of uniting the humility of the young man with respect for the man who is considered the best Spanish athlete of all time and, with the permission of the rest of the world, the best athlete in history for his values and mentality (not so much for his talent).

In Spain we are all Carlos Alcaraz because we moved into his mind and eyes and felt the emotion of living the last racket strokes of our sports hero. Hopefully it will continue for longer, but if not, this brooch with Alcaraz means passing in the best way a unique witness in the world of tennis. We have spent years, almost a decade, thinking about what to do when Rafa leaves and, suddenly, comes a boy from El Palmar (Murcia) who continues his path with the same spirit and know-how.

A NATIONAL EVENT

A ‘Nadalcaraz‘ is a national event. It is a moment of inspiration. A film full of history, dramatic moments, with time for love and hopefully ending with a happy ending.

Rafa already won the individual gold in Beijing 2008 and the gold in doubles with his friend Marc Lopez in Rio 2016. If it occurs to him to take a metal in Paris 2024, no matter what color it is, it will surely be remembered as much as the 14 Roland Garros he has or the two Wimbledon titles. Because for Spain, that medal will have a unique and incomparable sentimental value.

A lover of the Olympic Games, Rafa knew what an Olympic Village is in Atlanta 2004, when, by the way, he participated in doubles with his current coach, Carlos Moya. At that time Charly passed the baton of the dominator of Spanish tennis to Rafa, and now that legacy seems to continue in another Carlitos?

THE SAME ILLUSION IN THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE

“It’s rejuvenating to be here [in the Olympic Village] and it’s a return to the beginnings of everything. The Olympic Games are the reminder of where we really come from and where the spirit of sport starts from,” Rafa said before the start. As on the court, it is difficult to see Rafa not getting any of his actions or statements right and these words also show why he continues with enthusiasm and passion at 38 years of age and after two decades as a professional.

Carlitos could not have a better teacher on the field, in front of the microphones and in public life. And that is the greatest victory that Spanish society can aspire to with this Nadalcaraz. It applauds the continuation of a benchmark that exudes such values and that is the true pride of this couple, beyond the fact that they have only been training together for a few hours and one match (won) behind them.

If Rafa accepts Carlitos as his heir, the throne (and its values) are in good hands. Hence the importance of this Nadalcaraz for the Spanish people.

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