Rafael Nadal congratulated Carlos Alcaraz and emphasized to the young Spanish tennis player that he should cherish the silver medal brought to Spanish sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Alcaraz received the silver medal after losing to Novak Djokovic 6-7(3), 6-7(2) in the final on Sunday evening (Vietnam time) at Roland Garros.
This victory means a lot to Djokovic as he became the fifth singles player in tennis history to complete the "Career Grand Slam" - winning the Olympic gold medal as well as all four major tournaments.
But Nadal believes that Alcaraz - who defeated Djokovic in the last two Wimbledon finals - should also be proud of his medal.
Nadal sent Alcarez a message via X (formerly Twitter) after the match.
“Carlos, although I know today is a difficult day, please cherish this medal that is so important to the entire country and with time, you will see that it is also for you.
Thank you for this incredible week and for the medal you brought home to Spanish sport. Sending you a hug,” Nadal wrote.
At the 2024 Olympics, Nadal played with Alcaraz in the men's doubles and was eliminated in the quarterfinals. In singles, he was eliminated in the second round, also by Djokovic.
In his career, Nadal achieved the "Career Grand Slam" when he won the Beijing Olympic men's singles gold medal in 2008 - the year he beat Djokovic in the semi-finals.
The 38-year-old also won an Olympic gold medal in the men's doubles event at Rio 2016, as a partner of Marc Lopez.
In the near future, Alcaraz, Djokovic and other players will focus on the US Open, the tournament starting on August 26. But Nadal most likely will not come to Flushing Meadows.
