"I like being surrounded by people"- Carlos Alcaraz echoes Rafael Nadal's sentiment on staying at Olympic Village after Novak Djokovic's opposite view

With Paris' Olympic Village becoming a major topic of discussion, Rafael Nadal recently shared his positive take on the facility. Carlos Alcaraz, too, had a heartening approach in that regard. The young Spaniard said he was enthused by the “energy and passion” of his fellow competitors.

Alcaraz is contesting his first Olympic Games, chasing medals in singles and men’s doubles. The Spaniard has opted for a complete experience, staying with his fellow competitors at the Olympic Village.

In recent days, several athletes have shared their experience of staying at the facility, including Coco Gauff. Just like Carlos Alcaraz, the American, too, made her Olympic debut in Paris, sharing her Olympic Village room with Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins, and Desirae Krawczyk. Just days later, Gauff revealed that her colleagues abandoned the facility in favor of hotel rooms due to overcrowding. She, however, stayed back.

Novak Djokovic, too, decided against staying with his countrymen at the Village, pointing out the need for “more privacy.”

"Somehow I feel that it is more correct for me and that it is better for me and for my preparations," he told the press.

His arch rival, Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, showed appreciation for the community environment.

"When you are in the Olympics, I think playing in an Olympic Games without being in the village is like playing another event," he told the press. "So it’s only once every four years and for me, personally, don’t make sense to stay in a hotel. We stay in a hotel every single week."

Carlos Alcaraz had a similar approach. He noted that he particularly enjoys interacting with fellow Olympians.

"I like being surrounded by people, feeling the passion and the energy," Alcaraz told the press about his first Olympics experience.

The Spaniard has been one of the most popular figures at the Village alongside Rafael Nadal, with many athletes asking for “hugs and selfies.”

"Staying in a hotel would have been quieter, but I will never forget the affection of the athletes, the hugs and the selfies," he added

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Carlos Alcaraz continues his pursuit of a medal at Paris Olympic 2024 alongside Rafael Nadal

Tennis - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 4 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz has extended his Olympic Village stay, keeping his quest for gold alive in both singles and men’s doubles. He is one win away from reaching the quarterfinals at the singles event.

Following wins against Hady Habib and Tallon Griekspoor, the Spaniard faces Roman Safiullin in the third round on Wednesday, July 31. In doubles, meanwhile, he and Rafael Nadal have already progressed to the final eight stage, where fourth seeds Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek await.

Nadal is out of contention in singles. The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost his second-round match against Novak Djokovic.