As many times before, Rafael Nadal praised his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. Speaking with Andy Roddick during his podcast, Rafa highlighted the young gun's strong foundation and positive values provided by his family.
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Nadal described Alcaraz's family as humble and good people. He credited their influence for Carlos' grounded demeanor. The more experienced Spaniard suggested that the young gun's humility and sportsmanship stem from these roots.
Rafa and Carlos joined forces at last year's Olympic Games in Paris. They joined their 26 Major titles and became the first pair of Major winners to forge the Olympic men's doubles team since 2000!
The Spaniard gave everything while fighting for their country, earning two victories before falling to the doubles specialists. Thus, they missed a chance of chasing a medal in Nadal's final appearance at the Olympic Games. Rafa and Carlos met the 6th seed in the first round.
They oustedMaximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6, 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrierin an hour and 46 minutes for a winning start. The Spaniard had to dig deep against Tallon Griekspoorand WesleyKoolhof.
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Nadal and Alcaraz prevailed 6-4, 6-7, 10-2 following a superb performance in the deciding match tie break. Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram were too strong in the quarter-final, beating the Spaniards 6-2, 6-4 and keeping them away from the medal chase.
"Carlos is a great guy with a very good family behind him with positive values. They are humble, good people. That's why Carlos acts like he is. In the end, the values you receive and the way you are educated are how you end up showing yourself," Rafael Nadal said.
Nadals words paint a picture of Alcaraz as a promising athlete molded by a supportive and principled family, a rarity in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
