Alcaraz first hinted at the possibility of a doubles partnership last year, with Nadal then responding to Spanish newspaper Diario AS in September 2023 that he would be open to the idea of playing with the youngster in what could possibly be his final year on tour.

This week at the Madrid Open, talk turned again to the possible partnership of “Rafitos”.  Nadal told Iguales, the official podcast of the Madrid Open that he wants to share the court with Alcaraz at a few other tournaments before the Olympics to build their chemistry.  

"He doesn't have to ask me anything," Nadal said. "I think, all things being well, we'll play. ... I think we're both fit enough, why not? We could have the chance to form a great team and aspire to great things."

So far, both have recorded wins in the Madrid Open.  On Thursday, Nadal wiped the court with the American Darwin Blanch, winning in straight sets 6-1 6-0, while Alcaraz scored a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over Kazakhstani Alexander Shevchenko.  Nadal will take on the 10th-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur today in the second round of the tournament.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger