Carlos Alcaraz disagrees with Rafael Nadal’s view that Olympic gold isn’t as important as Grand Slam titles for tennis players. Alcaraz’s desire to win his first gold medal is more in tune with Nadal’s historic rival Roger Federer, who was just as desperate to triumph at the Games throughout his career.

Nadal and Alcaraz will form a dream partnership when they represent Spain in the men’s tennis doubles at the Paris Olympics this month. Alcaraz, the 21-year-old phenomenon who claimed this year’s French Open and Wimbledon titles, is teaming up with 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal.

It is expected to be one of the 38-year-old’s final appearances at a major tournament before his retirement, having already claimed a gold medal in the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016. Yet Nadal, even prior to clinching his first in Beijing, was adamant that Olympic gold didn’t matter as much as Grand Slam glory.

“A little bit less,” said Nadal, comparing the two honours. “For us, a Grand Slam is different. Grand Slams are special. Olympics are important too but after a grand slam.”

His doubles partner Alcaraz, who was aged five at the time of the quote, holds a very different opinion to his idol. With three Grand Slams already to his name, the youngster from Murcia is eager to add gold to his growing cabinet. When asked if he would be more excited to win Wimbledon or the Olympics, Alcaraz said: “It is difficult to decide, but I would say the Games.

“They are every four years and you represent your country and all Spaniards. When I come back here I’ll have flashbacks. It can be very nice, my first Games forty days after my first Roland Garros. I would choose an Olympic gold.”

Retired legend Federer had no shortage of Grand Slam wins either – claiming 20 – but did not enjoy the same success as Nadal at the Olympics. That goes some way towards explaining his similar stance to Alcaraz when it comes to the quadrennial event.

The Swiss told reporters back in July 2008: “If maybe I am a player who doesn’t have any Grand Slams, maybe a Grand Slam would still do more for my own career. But because I have 12 already, for me an Olympic gold ranks as high.

“I was very proud to represent the Swiss in the 2000 Olympics and really just missed a medal. Last time was quite disappointing losing the second round but nevertheless, going there was one of the biggest experiences in life.

“So as long as I can walk and play, I will always come and play in the Olympics. Who knows, maybe I will carry the flag. That would be a great honour as well. It ranks very, very high in my scale, absolutely.”

Federer lost his bronze medal match to Arnaud Di Pasquale at the 2000 Sydney Games. He also lost in the second round to Tomas Berdych four years later in Athens.

The Swiss suffered more Olympic heartbreak at London 2012, losing to Andy Murray in the final after he had beaten the Scot at the same venue four weeks prior in the Wimbledon final. He missed the Rio games due to his recovery from knee surgery.

Meanwhile, it seems that Nadal has grown to respect the Olympics more over the years, saying this month: “It’s a great opportunity to be at the Games, the largest sporting event in the world. I appreciate being here. This will be my last. I’ve missed two (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020) and it hurt me more than missing a Grand Slam.”