How Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have become the center of attention at Olympic Village upon their arrival in Paris

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have become the center of attention at the Olympic Village ahead of the Paris Games. Their arrival has garnered significant excitement, with athletes flocking to meet the Spanish duo.

Fresh off his runner-up finish at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Nadal has touched down in Paris for his highly anticipated final Olympics campaign. Alongside his quest for his second singles gold medal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is teaming up with Alcaraz in a blockbuster partnership for a shot at his second men's doubles Olympic gold.

The 38-year-old will make his much-awaited return to his favorite venue, Roland Garros, for the prestigious event. Both Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have elected to stay in the Olympic Village amid their campaigns, embracing the traditional experience with their fellow athletes.

The Spanish duo's popularity among their fellow athletes was on display upon their arrival at the village, as players from around the world displayed their eagerness to meet the tennis stars.

From 16-year-old Egyptian table tennis player Hana Goda to Malaysian badminton star Thinaah Muralitharan and Chilean table tennis player Maria Paulina Vega, everyone clamored to take pictures with Nadal and Alcaraz.

The Spanish duo also indulged American fencers Eli Dershwitz and Mitchell Dante Saron's requests for photos.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, in particular, stole the spotlight, with Brazilian skateboarder Pamela Posa reacting in delight after getting a picture with the tennis legend in the cafeteria.

The Spaniard's widespread popularity became more evident as he posed with Argentine field hockey star Lucas Toscani, Guillermo Lijtenstein, a rugby player from Uruguay, and Indian badminton player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.

"I'm convinced that Carlos Alcaraz will be at a great level" - Rafael Nadal on doubles partnership with compatriot at Paris Olympics 2024

Carlos Alcaraz (L) and Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

Speaking to the media after his Nordea Open final loss, Rafael Nadal expressed his anticipation for his Paris Olympics campaign, labeling it the "most important" sporting event.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain. This is the most important event in sport, I hope I can find the energy I need and do good training," he said (via Punto de Break).

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also emphasized that if he delivers a strong singles campaign, it will translate to success in his doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz as well.

"I know that if I can play good tennis on an individual level, I'll do well in doubles too, but I have to analyze what happened this week and work hard. I'm convinced that Carlos Alcaraz will be at a great level because he's coming in with confidence. We'll train together this week," he added.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, has disclosed his intention to "keep his mouth shut" and defer to the 38-year-old's experience, calling himself the "rookie" as he makes his Olympic debut.