"Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz can't walk around without being stopped"- Tommy Paul sheds light on Spanish duo's popularity in Paris' Olympic Village

Tommy Paul recently disclosed that Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are a hit among their fellow athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Spanish duo are all set to join forces in doubles for the first time at the quadrennial event.

The men's doubles competition at this year's Games begins on Saturday (July 27). Having taken a Protected Ranking (PR) entry into the main draw, the Spanish duo will open their bid for a medal against Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.

Meanwhile, USA's Tommy Paul is also teaming up with Taylor Fritz aside from his men's singles campaign. Speaking to Marca, the World No. 13 revealed that he had crossed paths with Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in Paris this week.

The American claimed that the Spaniards were an "electric duo", before adding that they were immensely popular among the athletes at the Olympic Village.

"It's amazing to see them in the building and see them with all the other athletes. It's amazing how much the other athletes look up to them," Tommy Paul told Marca. "They can't walk around without being stopped. Like I said, they're an electric duo and it's going to be brilliant to watch."

Paul then showered rich praise on Alcaraz as he reminisced coming up short in the quarterfinals of this year's Wimbledon to the eventual champion.

"It's always a challenge to be on court with him when he's playing his best tennis. I can't say it's a particularly fun experience, I already experienced it a few weeks ago," he added. "And together with Rafa, they form an electric duo. I'm pretty sure they're going to attract a huge crowd."

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Carlos Alcaraz on Olympics debut: "For me it's incredible to learn from Rafael Nadal"

Carlos Alcaraz practices at Paris Olympics

Carlos Alcaraz rejoiced at the prospect of playing his first-ever Olympics while speaking to Eurosport recently. The World No. 3 was informed of the nickname given to his and Rafael Nadal's pairing, which elicited an enthusiastic response.

"Nadal's name always has to come first. For me it is incredible to be able to learn from him. It is a unique experience," Alcaraz said. "These first Olympics are a dream, but it makes it even more special to play doubles with your idol."

The 21-year-old is also a firm favourite to secure the gold medal in the men's singles competition in Paris. He will take on Lebanon's Hady Habib in the first round. If Alcaraz wins, he will face either Cameron Norrie or Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.

Rafael Nadal, on the other hand will face Marton Fucsovics in the opening round and a win will see him take on either rival Novak Djokovic or Matthew Ebden.