Nadal and Alcaraz favourites to win gold despite injury doubts

Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are leading the betting odds with tennis bookmakers ahead of the men’s tennis doubles event beginning this weekend, despite the former announcing a fresh injury concern.

Nadal and Alcaraz will play together for the first time, and they are unseeded in the 32-pair draw. However, the 26 Grand Slams they have won before have them pegged as favourites to win gold in Paris.

The duo return just $3.10 to claim top spot on the podium next weekend, with the next closest pairing—Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori—well behind on $8 to win gold.

However, Nadal’s participation at the Paris Olympics is under doubt after news broke on Friday that the 38-year-old has an issue with his right thigh.

Moya shares on Nadal’s latest injury

Nadal’s primary coach, compatriot Carlos Moya, shared on Friday that the Spaniard is not guaranteed to play at the 2024 Olympics.

“I can’t guarantee anything, neither that he won’t play or he will play,” shared Moya.

“He had some discomfort yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

“In the afternoon he was more limited and before it got worse he decided to stop.

“At the moment he needs to rest, undergo treatment.”

While no further news has come from Nadal’s camp about the Spaniard’s condition, Moya did assure fans that the two-time gold medallist is doing everything he can to be ready.

“He is obviously very excited to play these Olympics. It has been something marked on his calendar for years.

“He is a born competitor and wants to play singles and doubles.

“He’s very excited about the doubles with Alcaraz. It will be the first time they have played together and it will be something historic for Spanish tennis.”

Alcaraz and Nadal are set to play on Saturday evening in Paris at 7pm CET (3am AEST), against Argentinians Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, the tournament’s sixth seeds.

Sports news