Carlos Alcaraz makes Rafael Nadal offer after epic Novak Djokovic Wimbledon win

Carlos Alcaraz Rafael Nadal Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz has been on a high ever since Novak Djokovic Wimbledon win

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/07/2023

- 14:00

The 20-year-old won a second Grand Slam title of his career at Wimbledon on Sunday

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he'd love to play doubles with compatriot Rafael Nadal following his Wimbledon triumph on Sunday.

The Spaniard was too strong for Novak Djokovic at Centre Court, winning in five sets to secure a second Grand Slam title of his short career.


Alcaraz has now followed in the footsteps of Nadal by emerging victorious at the All England Club.

And he's now offered Nadal the chance to play doubles together, revealing it was something he hoped to do while the veteran was still competing in the sport.

Rafael Nadal Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz wants to play doubles with Rafael Nadal after Wimbledon win

PA

"It would be a dream to live the experience of playing doubles with your idol," the youngster told El Partidazo de Cope after his win.

"Let's see how he's doing and how he's going, you know, in this year.

"Hopefully, he's going great but for me, it could be a dream to play doubles with him."

Nadal has been suffering with injuries this year, with the 37-year-old managing his fitness as he enters the twilight stages of his career.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner was forced to miss the French Open last month, a tournament he's won 14 times throughout his career.

And Nadal also pulled out of Wimbledon, with the tennis icon winning that tournament on two occasions.

The former world No 1 texted Alcaraz prior to his victory over Djokovic, with the youngster revealing their exchange in the aftermath of that triumph.

"Yes, yes, he sent me a message," he said when asked if Nadal had been in touch.

"First he sent it to wish me luck for the final and I appreciate it.

"That someone like him, an idol of my childhood and who continues to be so, sends you strength and luck for the most important moment of your life is something to admire."

And Alcaraz also confirmed Nadal had congratulated him on his triumph, too.

"Rafa's, whenever he congratulates you, Rafa makes you especially excited because in the end he is your idol," he said.

"I was also congratulated by Fernando Alonso, who is someone I admire.

"Will Smith surprised me that he congratulated me. My friend Jimmy Butler... There have been a lot of messages that have made me excited.

"I don't want to leave anyone because there have been many sports legends, artists... I saw that Sebastian Yatra dedicated a song to me and said 'this is for you'. That all these people congratulate you is exciting.

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Carlos Alcaraz Novak Djokovic Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for Novak Djokovic in Sunday's Wimbledon final

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"It is a dream come true for me. Even if I lost, I would have been proud of myself.

"To be able to play in these stages of these occasions - as a boy of 20 years old - is really fast. I'm really proud of myself."

It's currently unclear when Nadal will return.

The veteran has locked horns with Alcaraz twice so far in his career, winning two matches to his compatriot's one.

Nadal won matches in Spain and the USA in 2021 and 2022 respectively, though did lose to Alcaraz when they last met back in May last year.

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