“Rafael Nadal can't keep up with Gen Z Carlitos” - Fans react lightheartedly to Spanish legend’s social media post involving Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's online interaction where the latter asked the tennis fraternity to name their pairing has left fans in splits. The Spanish duo are set to compete in singles and doubles alongside each other at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

The recently crowned Channel Slam winner had mentioned his desire to play with his idol at the prestigious event early on in the year amidst many uncertainties. It was later confirmed that the 38-year-old will be teaming up with his 21-year-old compatriot at the 2024 Paris Olympics to form a blockbuster pairing.

Carlos Alcaraz recently took to Instagram to post a photo of the duo and asked the fans what their team should be named. The Spaniard commented, "Vamos Carlos!" under the post, which had no relation to the question.

A fan posted this on X (formerly Twitter) and joked how the 22-time Major champion used social media like a 70-year-old, meaning he didn't understand how to use it but still gave his best efforts.

Fans reacted to the Spaniard's hilarious fail on X. A fan joked how Nadal wasn't able to keep up with Alcaraz's Generation Z.

"He can't keep up with gen z carlitos."

Another fan, however, felt that the Spaniard was being supportive of his young compatriot since he posted a photo of the two.

“Maybe he meant it and he’s just being super adorable and supportive of Carlitos, sounds like Rafa!”

“It was also hard for him to understand what Ruudal means,” a fan quipped.

“This is the same man who tags himself in his own posts,” a fan joked.

“Just adorable,” a fan mentioned lovingly.

Here are some more reactions from the fans.

“Simply another reason to love him,” another fan quipped.

“Rafa prefers to stay humble and let the racquet do the talking…,” a fan said.

“That's why we love Rafa,” another fan said.

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"What is this?" - Rafael Nadal hilariously failed to understand the fan-given name to his pairing with Casper Ruud

Rafael Nadal - Getty Images

At the 2024 Nordea Open, Rafael Nadal had teamed up with his protege Casper Ruud for doubles. The duo kicked off their campaigns with a statement 6-1, 6-4 victory over second seeds Miguel Angel-Reyes Varela and Guido Andreozzi. They followed it up with a topsy-turvy 6-4, 3-6, 12-10 in the quarterfinals.

During their on-court interview after the quarterfinals, the Spaniard was told that his pairing with Casper Ruud was being called 'Ruudal' by the tennis fraternity, but in a hilarious turn of events, it took the 38-year-old some time and help from the Norwegian to understand what 'Ruudal' meant. He later gave a shoutout to his duo name with Roger Federer - 'Fedal'.

“What?”

“Ruudal,” the interviewer said.

“What is this?”

“It's Ruud and Nadal, Ruudal,” the interviewer repeated.

“Ah okay (laughs). Yeah, I didn't know mate. But, well, I mean I have Fedal and now Ruudal, so both!”

The duo had to withdraw from the semifinals as Rafael Nadal had a deep run in singles making it to the final where he lost to Nuno Borges.

Casper Ruud will also be representing his nation, Norway, at the Paris Olympics.