REPORT: After the Davis Cup announcement, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will face an impediment at the Paris Olympics.

Although Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have discussed the possibility of a “dream” team dynamic in the Paris Olympics, the Davis Cup has thrown a wrench in their preparations.

Tennis players must compete for their country twice in the Davis Cup or Billie Jean King Cup in the current cycle (2021–2024) in order to qualify for the Olympics.

But since Spain won the Davis Cup in 2019, Nadal has not competed for the country, while Alcaraz has only participated once, in 2022.
Neither player will get another chance to compete in the competition prior to the Olympics, since the Davis Cup announced that Spain has been awarded a wildcard to the Davis Cup Finals Group stage in 2024.

Consequently, Nadal and Alcaraz would not be allowed to compete in the Olympics in Paris; yet, a Spanish media source claims that there is still hope for the Spanish players.

According to Marca, both players will have the option to request an exemption in writing from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for various reasons.

Due to his extended spells of injury absence, Rafael Nadal, 37, would be able to argue that he has missed multiple opportunities to compete in the Davis Cup.

Alcaraz, who is still only 20 years old, might be able to argue that he hasn’t been able to participate in the Davis Cup until recently.

Nadal and Alcaraz are among the two previous Olympic and Grand Slam champions who are eligible for two spots at the Paris Olympics.
Tennis at the Paris Olympics will start on Saturday, July 27, immediately following Wimbledon’s conclusion.