Nadal eyes dream doubles pairing with Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal said it would be exciting to partner fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics and the 22-time Grand Slam champion hoped they can enter some doubles tournaments in the build-up to the Games.

World No. 3 Alcaraz previously said he would like to play at the alongside his Olympics 37-year-old idol, who expects to bring the curtains down on his glittering but injury-plagued career after this season.

At the Madrid Open where the duo are competing this week, the 20-year-old admitted to being somewhat nervous about initiating the discussion but Nadal put him at ease.

"Carlos doesn't have to ask me anything, all things being well, we'll play," he told Iguales, the Madrid Open's official podcast.

"It's also hugely exciting for me.