Rafael Nadal has congratulated Carlos Alcaraz and urged him to appreciate his achievement after winning a silver medal for Spain at Paris 2024.
Alcaraz had to settle for silver after losing 7-6 7-6 to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Olympic final at Roland Garros.
The victory meant a lot to Djokovic as it saw him become only the fifth singles player in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam – by winning Olympic gold, as well as all four majors.
But Nadal believes that Alcaraz – who had beaten Djokovic in each of the last two Wimbledon finals – should also be proud of his medal.
Nadal sent Alcarez a message via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday evening.
Carlos Alcaraz was in tears after losing in Sunday’s gold medal match at the Olympic Games
Novak Djokovic, who beat Alcaraz 7-6 7-6, was also overcome with emotion after the final
Earlier in the week, Alcaraz had teamed up with Rafael Nadal (left) in the men’s doubles event
It read: ‘Carlos, although I know today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important to the entire country and you will see, over time, that it is for you too.
‘Thank you for this incredible week and for a medal that you give us to Spanish sport. A hug.’
Nadal also has a career Grand Slam on his CV. His Olympic singles gold came in Beijing in 2008, after he had beaten Djokovic in the semi-finals.
The 38-year-old also won an Olympic gold medal in the doubles event at Rio 2016 when he teamed up with Marc Lopez.
Nadal had hoped to win another at Paris 2024 after partnering with Alcarez but the Spanish pair lost to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the USA in the quarter-finals.
Nadal sent Alcaraz a message of support following the 21-year-old’s defeat on Sunday
Alcarez pictured (left) alongside Djokovic (centre) and bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti (right)
Alcaraz will now look forward to the US Open, which begins on August 26.
Nadal is unlikely to play at Flushing Meadows.
